Does infection with COVID-2019 during labor increase the risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries?

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2024-10
• Main Authors: Saban, Alla, Leybovitz-Haleluya, Noa, Hershkovitz, Reli, Geva, Yael, Weintraub, Adi Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15966

To investigate the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during the peripartum period and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all singleton vaginal deliveries and cesarean deliveries due to failed vacuum extraction, between June 2020 and January 2022 at a large tertiary medical center. OASIS complication during childbirth was compared between women with and without peripartum diagnosis of COVID-19, defined as a positive polymerase chain reaction test obtained within 1 week before delivery or up to 3 days after delivery. Universal screening for COVID-19 was implemented. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables. The study included 22 911 women, among whom 468 (2.0%) tested positive for COVID-19 and 22 443 women had no COVID-19 diagnosis. After adjusting for confounding variables, peripartum infection with COVID-19 was found to be independently associated with OASIS (adjusted odds ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval 2.00-9.61; P