Treating Preeclampsia in the COVID-19 Era: Is Allopurinol Useful as an Adjuvant Therapy? A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, mainly affects the vulnerable population, especially those with comorbidities, such as pregnant women. SARS-CoV-2 has been found to cause multiple manifestations, one of which is preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, uric acid is excessively produced in the ischemic placenta and is released into circulation by placental reperfusion. Another effect of uric acid is oxidative stress with the production of oxygen free radicals associated with severe preeclampsia and fetal hypoxia. In our case report, we present the situation of a 38-year-old pregnant woman who developed preeclampsia after infection with SARS-CoV-2 with rapid evolution and an increased level of uric acid. We discuss the option of Allopurinol treatment in the third trimester of pregnancy instead of premature birth, with excellent benefits for both the mother and newborn. Additional clinical correlations between antioxidant treatment with Allopurinol and placental findings are needed.

Keywords

• allopurinol
• preeclampsia
• SARS-CoV-2 infection