Outcome of Neonates Born to Mothers Who Are COVID-19 Positive; An Observation Cohort Study from Pakistan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 virus infection, first identified in Wuhan city of China was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. Since then, the disease has spread to almost all parts of the world. It has affected all segments of society. The effects of infection on neonates born to mothers who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus have not been fully studied in detail thus far. We aimed to study the clinical and epidemiological profile of neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers in Pakistan.METHODS: In a first observational, prospective cohort study from Pakistan, conducted between April 2020 to August 2020, at secondary and tertiary care hospitals, we studied 106 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, most of whom were asymptomatic and we followed their newborn babies. Stable asymptomatic newborn babies were kept in SARS-CoV-2 specified incubators, at specially designated areas in NICUs, for observation. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken at 24 hours of life and if negative, babies were handed over to clinically stable mothers who were educated regarding use of face masks and proper hand washing while caring for their babies. Neonates who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 again at 48 hours and then every 48-72 hours, until found to be negative. Maternal and neonatal data, like maternal age, gestational age, duration of hospital stay, birth weight etc. were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16.FINDINGS: Total 106 women were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive during the study period. All 106 women delivered singleton babies. Of the 106 babies, five were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 24 hours and only one baby was found to be positive at 48 hours of life and then found negative at 7 days of life. None of the babies were found to be symptomatic and discharged home. INTERPRETATION: Babies born to SARS-CoV-2 mothers were mostly asymptomatic and there was no increased risk of morbidity or mortality to neonates suffering from the infection. FUNDING: NoneDECLARATION OF INTERESTS: There are no competing interests.ETHICS APPROVAL STATEMENT: Study was approved by institution ethical review board.