ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND PYELONEPHRITIS DURING PREGNANCY: MATERNAL RISKS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/Keywords:
pregnancy, acute respiratory infection, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infection, maternal outcomes, perinatal outcomes, inflammation.Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with physiological, anatomical, and immunological changes that predispose women to infectious diseases. Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and pyelonephritis are among the most common causes of maternal morbidity during gestation. The coexistence of these conditions may significantly increase systemic inflammatory responses and contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and pregnancy outcomes associated with concurrent ARIs and pyelonephritis. Available evidence suggests that combined infectious processes increase the risk of maternal complications, including sepsis, respiratory insufficiency, anemia, and acute kidney injury, while also contributing to preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal morbidity. Early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and preventive strategies remain crucial for improving maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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