Abstract
ObjectiveWe report here on the management and outcomes of neonates born to mothers with active perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection.Study designIn this prospective study, eligible neonates were enrolled in a database to track in-hospital outcomes and followed up outpatient periodically till 2 months of age to assess for late onset symptoms of infection.ResultsFrom April 2020 to February 2021, 67 mothers with perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and 70 at-risk neonates were included. Two neonates (3%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 48 h of life but remained asymptomatic during hospitalization and at all follow-up periods. Three infants were reported to have a febrile illness in 2 months follow up period, none of which was attributable to SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionOur data supports the emerging evidence which describes a probable low risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We also demonstrate a low risk of post-natal transmission or late-onset symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has been globally spreading since the end of December 2019
In a review of 262 pregnant women who were admitted with confirmed COVID-19 and delivered, most were admitted due to symptoms in their 3rd trimester, 75% gave birth at that time, 59% had a Cesarean section (C-section), and 5% of neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 but did not have
In a review of literature published on COVID-19 in pregnant women worldwide, it was reported that most women presented in their second and third trimesters, with 65– 88% developing mild to moderate pneumonia and 64– 78% undergoing C-sections [8, 9]
Summary
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has been globally spreading since the end of December 2019. When looking at previous coronavirus pandemics caused by SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), there were reported cases of spontaneous abortions, preterm births, low birth weight, and neonatal respiratory infections [1]. This was hypothesized to be a result of increased inflammatory activity associated with the first and third trimesters and. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 variant (delta variant) have been reported to have been associated with more severe infection and worse pregnancy outcomes [13]
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