Tinyan Dada

School: The University of Chicago

Major: Comparative Human Development

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-y0x3-hj60

Biography:

Tinyan Dada is a third year student studying Comparative Human Development with a minor in Biology on the pre-med track at the University of Chicago. Since her first year, she has been a member of a clinical global health research lab where she has worked on numerous studies pertaining to hypertensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. She is currently the Vice President of SNMA-MAPS on her campus and she also works in the Cancer Comprehensive Center. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city of Chicago, practicing yoga, running, thrift shopping, and buying plants. Following graduation, Tinyan plans to pursue a MD-MPH with an emphasis in global health.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Pregnancies and Their Outcomes

Abstract

Physiologic changes during pregnancy alters the ways in which the body responds to infectious and inflammatory insults. In this study, we aimed to describe the symptoms and clinical presentation of pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19, a novel virus characterized by respiratory, inflammatory, and vascular complications. Understanding how COVID-19 manifests in high risk black pregnant patients can help inform the medical management of this vulnerable, understudied population. A retrospective, descriptive analysis of COVID-19 positive pregnant patients admitted at an urban tertiary care center in the south side of Chicago was conducted to collect maternal medical information/outcomes. Overall, 56 subjects were included. Common obstetric diagnoses included labor/contractions, ruptured membranes, and bleeding. In the majority of these patients, COVID testing was prompted by universal screening. The patients experienced symptoms that included a cough, fever, diarrhea, shortness of breath, chest pain, a headache, myalgia, malaise, and a loss of smell or ability to taste. A large majority of patients were asymptomatic and diagnosed with COVID-19 by universal screening. Compared to pre-pandemic institutional rates (2015-2019), the preterm delivery rates were similar (<37 weeks (22.0% vs. 19.4%; p=0.66) and <32 weeks (12.0% vs 7.1%, p=0.17)). Infected patients had significantly higher preeclampsia rates (17.9% vs. 7.20%, p=0.01). This investigation suggests that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preterm labor and preeclampsia. These findings are particularly concerning in a predominantly black population that is already affected by adverse pregnancy outcomes. Continued efforts must be made to protect pregnant black women who contract COVID-19.

Author Q&A

What is your research topic, in a nutshell?

We know that physiologic changes during pregnancy alters the body’s response to infectious and inflammatory insults. In this study, we aimed to study obstetric outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 to further inform their medical management. 

How did you come to your research topic? 

I have been working in my lab for just about 2 years now. We work on numerous studies pertaining to hypertensive and preeclamptic pregnancies on both a local and global level. Due to the COVID-19 pregnancy, we were presented with the unique opportunity to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancies since there was an influx of pregnant patients who tested positive for COVID-19. 

Where do you see the future direction of this work leading (how might future researchers build on your work or what is left to discover in this field)? 

I hope this work will further expand our current understanding of COVID-19, particularly how it impacts pregnant patients. As a result, this will improve overall patient care, and better equip future generations in combatting viruses and protecting their most vulnerable population.

Where are you heading to after graduation?  

I plan to pursue a MD-MPH post graduation!