Nosocomial Covid-19 Infection in Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean
Sections: A prospective cohort study
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the nosocomial infection rate in women
undergoing elective cesarean section Design: Non-randomized prospective
cohort trial Setting: Two large-volume obstetrical units at academic
institutions Population: Women undergoing elective cesarean section
during the reopening phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York State
Methods: Eligible patients with negative pre-operative Covid-19 reverse
transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test and IgG antibody test were
re-tested 6-9 days after discharge. Main Outcome Measures: The primary
objective was the Covid-19 test conversion rate defined as a positive
PCR test after discharge with a negative pre-operative test. This was
used as a proxy for the nosocomial infection rate. Results: No patients
with a negative PCR test pre-operatively had a positive PCR test for the
Covid-19 virus postoperatively. Conclusions: With a strict and
methodical perioperative and postpartum protocol, we can limit
nosocomial Covid-19 infections in women undergoing elective cesarean
section. Funding: No external funding was obtained for this study
Keywords: Covid-19, Cesarean Section, Nosocomial Infection