Short-Term Outcomes in Neonates and Preterm Infants with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Acquired Postpartum

Abstract

Abstract Objective There are limited data regarding the hospital and postdischarge course of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in newborns. This study aimed to present the data of such cases in newborns. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the predischarge and postdischarge records of newborns followed-up in the neonatal intensive care unit between June 2, 2020, and April 30, 2021 and who had positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19. Results Eleven newborns had positive PCR tests for COVID-19 during the study period. The prenatal COVID-19 PCR test of the mothers of the newborns was negative. The cases with a postnatal age of 10 to 60 days according to chronological age were hospitalized due to positive COVID-19 PCR test. Either or both the parents of these cases were severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR positive on nasopharyngeal swab obtained simultaneously. All breast milk samples were negative for COVID-19 virus. The mean D-dimer value of the cases was 3,430 µg FEU/L at the time of hospitalization and 307 µg FEU/L after discharge. None of the cases were given any specific antiviral treatment. The cases were discharged with full recovery. No rehospitalizations or deaths occurred during the 3-month follow-up after discharge. Conclusion In most COVID-19 newborns, the disease was transmitted by infected parents, and the course of the infection was either asymptomatic or associated with only mild symptoms. No complications or deaths were observed during the 3-month follow-up after discharge.