Comparison of obstetric and infectious results among Syrian pregnant women

Abstract

Aim: We do not have enough information about the obstetric and fetal positions of migrant pregnant women.After the Syrian civil war in 2011, neighboring countries and Europe faced a wave of migration.The study aims at comparing the obstetric, fetal, and infectious outcomes of Turkish pregnant refugee women. Material and Methods: A total of 810 Syrian and 810 Turkish pregnant women who gave birth between January 1, 2020 and August 1, 2020 were included in the study. The demographic characteristics, obstetric, fetal, neonatal, TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, others, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus), HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV seroprevalences, and laboratory results of the women were compared. Results: Adolescent pregnancies were found to be higher among Syrian pregnant women (p<0.001). Normal birth rates were also higher in these women (p<0.001). The week of pregnancy at birth, age and Apgar scores were found to be lower compared to Turkish pregnancies (p<0.001). The rate of delivery below 2,500 grams was higher among Syrian women (p<0.001). Anti-HBs protection was not sufficient (p<0.05), and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity seemed to be higher (p < 0.05). The rate of ARH + blood group in pregnant women from Syrian (28.5%) was lower than in Turkish pregnant women (34.9%) (p < 0.05). Discussion: It was observed that the rate of adolescent pregnancy was higher in refugee pregnant women. Adolescent pregnancies are at risk in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, efforts to prevent these pregnancies should be made. Syrian pregnant refugee women should be protected against adverse perinatal and infectious situations.