Anaesthetic Management of Caesarean Section in Asymptomatic COVID-19 Positive Parturients with Abnormal Laboratory Findings: A Series of 15 Cases

Abstract

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Caesarean Sections (CS) were prioritised over other elective surgeries, leading to the identification and management of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive parturients. The present case series aimed to explore the possibility of laboratory abnormalities and adverse events that can occur in asymptomatic COVID-19 positive cases in the post-pandemic era when routine screening is no longer in place. Out of 141 asymptomatic COVID-19 positive CS patients, 15 cases were selected based on specific criteria. Demographic characteristics and clinical indicators were analysed, including age, gravidity, indications for CS, laboratory values {such as D-dimer, C Reactive Protein (CRP), and platelet count}, blood transfusion requirements, and obstetric outcomes. Indications for CS were predominantly previous CS and failure to progress. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated D-dimer, CRP, leukocyte count, and thrombocytopenia in some cases. Haemodynamic stability was maintained in all patients. The use of prophylactic anticoagulation was noted, potentially offering protection against thrombosis. Asymptomatic COVID-19 positive parturients can exhibit significant laboratory abnormalities. Thromboprophylaxis may play a role in mitigating thrombotic risks. The significance of the present case series lies in the fact that the laboratory abnormalities could only be detected since all positive patients were investigated as per hospital protocol, which will be missed in the post-COVID-19 era where routine investigations are not performed on asymptomatic patients. Therefore, healthcare workers should be aware of this possibility.

Keywords

• anaesthesia
• c-reactive protein
• d-dimer