A Narrative Review of Parameters Influencing Preeclampsia in the COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 outbreak has emerged as one of the most profound medical events of the 21st century, leaving an indelible impact on a global scale. The widespread prevalence causing significant illness and death needs collaborative and inventive efforts to deal with this challenge. One of the particular subset of the general population that had endured a significant impact was the pregnant population. A key complication of pregnancy seen in patients with a COVID-19 infection was the increased risk of developing preeclampsia. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is an important part of the renin-angiotensin system, which has been implicated in the control of blood flow and also is a key receptor in the pathogenesis of the multitude of symptoms of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the psychiatric, hematological, neurological, and social factors influenced by the COVID-19 virus and its subsequent effect on the development of preeclampsia. Increased rates of anxiety and depression were seen globally during the COVID-19 pandemic and due to the following physiological response of anxiety and depression, elevated blood pressure levels and development of preeclampsia were noted. Neurological factors such as the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and its relationship between COVID-19 and preeclampsia were also strongly observed. The observation suggested biomarkers such as serum neurofilament light may be used as a screening tool to stratify the severity of preeclampsia. Hematological parameters observed were most notable for the presence of thrombocytopenia, which itself is a marker of the severity of preeclampsia. The numerous effects of COVID-19 on preeclampsia have proven to have a tremendous impact on the healthcare burden. Careful analysis and prevention strategies, if implemented, will contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality of patients with preeclampsia and COVID-19 infections.