Preparing the Burns Unit to Accommodate Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section for Pregnant Women with COVID-19: A Successful Experience from Jordan

Abstract

COVID-19 is a highly infectious contagious virus. One of the major concerns is crossinfection of healthcare staff and other patients without COVID-19 in the hospitals. This is a major problem for patients with COVID-19 who require a surgical or interventional procedure, especially pregnant women. In our successful experience, we have adopted a ''closed circuit'' model for those patients by the proper utilization of the burns unit at our center. Accordingly, no cases of cross-infection were reported.

Burns and pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…On the other hand, the emergence and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, as infectious and highly contagious disease [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , has caused severe concerns in high-risk populations such as pregnant women with burns [14] , [21] . Therefore, great effort should be made to minimize contamination in burn wards.…”

“…Therefore, great effort should be made to minimize contamination in burn wards. In addition, special supervision should be given to surgeries in patients, including pregnant women, during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the high rate of infection and high mortality in this high-risk population [21] . Hence, a study [22] showed that the risk of severe pneumonia in pregnant women with COVID-19 can reach 8%.…”

“…Hence, a study [22] showed that the risk of severe pneumonia in pregnant women with COVID-19 can reach 8%. In addition, COVID-19 in pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of obstetric complications such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, and cesarean section [21] . However, there is no universal standard protocol for the prevention, control, and treatment of COVID-19 in pregnant women.…”

“…Hence, different countries formulated different measures including the exclusion of burn care and change in surgical priorities to deal with this pandemic [3] . Obviously, SARS-COV-2 can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in burn patients, especially pregnant women with burns [21] . A study showed [21] that the room of pregnant women with burns should have negative pressure, intensive monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilation.…”

“…Obviously, SARS-COV-2 can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in burn patients, especially pregnant women with burns [21] . A study showed [21] that the room of pregnant women with burns should have negative pressure, intensive monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilation. Also, they showed that each room can be considered as a recovery room and delivery section for each woman.…”