SARS-CoV-2 Maternal Infection and Newborn Outcomes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review [ID: 1377802

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several maternal and perinatal outcomes. However, the effect of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on newborn birth weight has not been comprehensively evaluated. We performed a systematic review to determine the scope of literature considering the effect of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on birth weight normalized for gestational age. METHODS: We searched OVID Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from January 1, 2019, to June 17, 2022, using keywords “gestational age,” “birthweight,” “newborn,” and “COVID-19.” Studies that were nonhuman, unspecified date/location, published in non-English language, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, case series, narrative reviews, and editorials were excluded. We extracted data from included publications on perinatal and maternal outcomes, demographics, and study type. RESULTS: Of 899 studies identified, 204 met criteria and 24 included birth weight and gestational age data on COVID-19-positive (n=10,193) and -negative (n=611,018) maternal/newborn dyads. 11 retrospective cohort, 10 prospective cohort, and 3 case–control studies from Europe (33%), North America (25%), Asia (21%), and the Middle East (13%) were evaluated. In those comparing COVID-19-positive versus -negative mothers, most studies did not find significant differences in gestational age and birth weight. Among those studies comparing mild versus severe disease, the majority found significant differences in gestational age and birth weight. CONCLUSION: This internationally aggregated systematic review reveals potential differences in birth weight by disease severity that prompt an ongoing investigation of the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on gestational age-dependent birth weight.