Gynaecologists want inclusion of pregnant women in COVID -19 vaccine trials


Obstetricians and gynaecologists in the United States under the umbrella of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have called for the inclusion of pregnant patients with COVID-19 in the ongoing clinical trials for a vaccine for the viral infection.
The maternal health experts made the call in a statement through the college’s Vice President of Practice Activities, Dr. Christopher Zahn, saying it is critical that medical care is informed by evidence and data as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a rapidly evolving situation.
Zahn in the statement published on ACOG website, said, ” In light of the new information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the risk to pregnant patients, it is even more concerning that pregnant and lactating patients have been excluded from clinical trials for a coronavirus vaccine.
“The new information from the CDC highlights the importance of pregnant patients being prioritized for a coronavirus vaccine once it becomes available.
“ACOG again urges the federal government to use its resources to ensure the safe inclusion of pregnant and lactating patients, including patients of colour, in trials for vaccines and therapeutics to ensure that all populations are included in the search for ways to prevent and treat COVID-19.
“New information from the CDC suggests that pregnant patients may be at increased risk for certain manifestations of severe illness due to COVID-19, such as intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation.
“Importantly, the available data also suggest that the overall risk of these clinical interventions remains low and that pregnant patients do not appear to be at increased risk of death associated with COVID-19 compared with nonpregnant patients in the same age group.”
According to him, during this public health crisis, it is critical that medical care is informed by evidence and data.
He said the new data from the CDC suggest a different level of risk for pregnant patients than was previously indicated by earlier data.
“In keeping with our evidence-based approach, ACOG is reviewing all of our clinical materials and patient resources related to COVID-19 in light of newly available information and will make any necessary revisions to recommendations.
“We understand that pregnant individuals are experiencing increased concern due to COVID-19, and we appreciate that these are unsettling times.
“While the data are being reviewed and modifications to clinical guidance considered”, he said
The ACOG Vice President urged member of the college and other clinicians providing care to patients who are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant should counsel patients about the potential increased risk of severe illness requiring intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation associated with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy.
He also enjoined the members to emphasize the importance of taking precautions to prevent infection when counselling pregnant patients and their families, with particular attention to advocating for protection measures for individuals with increased risk of exposure and infection due to occupation.
“As the pandemic continues, ACOG urges its members to encourage pregnant patients who test positive for COVID-19 to consider enrolling in an appropriate COVID-19 registry, such as the COVID-19 Priority Registry, to help the medical community better understand the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes”, he added.
Reports show that scientists around the world are working on potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.
Evidence also shows several companies are working on antiviral drugs, some of which are already in use against other illnesses, to treat people who already have COVID-19.


Follow us on twitter (ajuede.com) or on Instagram (ajuedeman) for details of the global situation presently.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Vladimir Zelenko has now treated 699 coronavirus patients with 100% success

Taylor Swift: 'White supremacy is repulsive. There is nothing worse'

ORIGIN OF THE AKAN - Onyeji Nnaji

GARDEN OF EDEN FOUND IN WEST AFRICA - Onyeji Nnaji

TYPES OF PREPOSITION - Onyeji Nnaji

Tulsi Gabbard says impeachment of Trump would be 'terribly divisive' for country

Marine Charged for Facebook Comments Gets Hearing Date

THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF NSUKKA by Onyeji Nnaji

EGYPTIANS LAMBAST NIGERIAN FOOTBALLERS OVER ‘FREQUENT’ PROTESTS