The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the condition of newborns depending on the mother’s COVID status: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background. A novel coronavirus infection in newborns seems to be an unexplored problem, which encourages pediatric specialists to conduct in-depth research in this direction. The aim of the study is the impact of COVID status of mothers on the condition of newborns. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 554 newborn histories (form 097/y) born from January 2021 to May 2022 was carried out in the Maternity Hospital in Krasnodar: 226 children from SARS-CoV-2 positive women at the time of delivery (group 1), 165 children from women who had SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy (group 2) and 165 children from women who did not have SARS-CoV-2 in history during pregnancy (control group). Results. 42% of newborns from group 1 had positive results of the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) study, of which 36% had pneumonia. The frequency of preterm birth was: 29% in the group 1, 21% in the group 2, 13% in the control group. The gestational age 32–34 weeks was more common in group 1. Children from the group 1 had a more severe condition when assessed on the APGAR scale both at the first and fifth minutes. Congenital pneumonia was more common among patients of the groups 1 and 2 relative to the control, children from the group 1 more often needed respiratory support compared with the group 2 and control group. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 virus was verified in 42% of children born to mothers with a positive PCR at the time of birth, while every third disease was accompanied by the development of pneumonia. Coronavirus infection, regardless of the mother’s COVID status, is a risk factor for preterm birth, congenital pneumonia, and asphyxia. COVID-positive maternal and neonatal status is associated with an increased need for respiratory support.