Abstract
The potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and placental dysfunction represents a critical area of investigation, with significant implications for understanding fetal health, perinatal mortality, and morbidity. This prospective case-series study aimed to comprehensively compare placental pathological changes between pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and unexposed controls. Conducted at Mahdieh Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, the research involved 62 pregnant women, of which 32 were COVID-19 positive. Placentas from both groups underwent detailed histopathological evaluation to assess structural and inflammatory changes. The investigation focused on identifying potential morphological alterations that might indicate viral impact on placental tissue. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in several key pathological parameters, including mem-brane hemorrhage, villous edema, chorioangiosis, peripheral infarction, and overall unremarkable pathology. However, two notable variations emerged: a significantly higher acute inflammatory response in COVID-19 placentas and a significantly lower calcification rate in the same group. While these findings suggest potential placental modifications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers cautiously concluded that the observed changes were insufficient to conclusively demonstrate direct viral placental transmission. The study underscores the complexity of COVID-19's impact on pregnancy and emphasizes the critical need for further comprehensive investigations to fully elucidate the virus's pathological effects on placental and fetal tissues. The research contributes valuable insights into the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 interaction with placental tissue, providing a foundation for future studies and highlighting the importance of continued surveillance and research in understanding the virus's comprehensive reproductive implications.