tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Pediatr Infect Dis J
. 2023 Jan 1;42(1):35-42.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003758. Epub 2022 Nov 1.
Clinical Characteristics, Transmission Rate and Outcome of Neonates Born to COVID-19-Positive Mothers: A Prospective Case Series From a Resource-Limited Setting
Marloes Rood[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Lisa Ten Kate[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Navin P Boeddha[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Kevin van 't Kruys[SUP] 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy could damage the placenta, but data on neonates born to COVID-19-positive mothers is scarce. In this case series, we aim to describe clinical characteristics, transmission rate and outcomes at 3 months of age among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosed near the time of delivery.
Methods: Prospective, multicenter case series from Suriname. We collected clinical data of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 infection between June and August 2021. COVID-19 swabs were taken within 5 days and 2 weeks after birth. Follow-up took place at 3 months.
Results: We enrolled 18 neonates. However, 18/18 (100%) mothers were infected in the third trimester and 10/18 (55.6%) had severe COVID-19 infection requiring ICU admission and 2/10 (20%) died. In total 16/18 (77.8%) neonates were born after cesarean section and 13/18 (72.2%) were born preterm (median 35 weeks, Interquartile range 32 + 4-38 + 0). Neonatal intensive care unit admission was needed in 7/18 (38.9%) neonates. Respiratory symptoms occurred in 12/18 (66.7%), 5/18 (27.8%) were suspected of early-onset sepsis and 1/18(5.6%) of late-onset sepsis. One preterm neonate developed necrotizing enterocolitis. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive in 1/18 (5.5%) neonates within 5 days of life and in 0/11 (0%) neonates after 2 weeks. Follow-up showed mild neurodevelopmental delay in 2/14 (14.3%) patients.
Conclusion: We describe a high proportion of severely ill mothers due to COVID-19 infection with subsequent cesarean delivery and prematurity. Accounting for gestational age at birth, the neonatal clinical course and findings at follow-up appeared similar to neonates born to COVID-19-negative mothers. Maternal vaccination is recommended to prevent neonatal risks associated with prematurity and cesarean delivery.
. 2023 Jan 1;42(1):35-42.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003758. Epub 2022 Nov 1.
Clinical Characteristics, Transmission Rate and Outcome of Neonates Born to COVID-19-Positive Mothers: A Prospective Case Series From a Resource-Limited Setting
Marloes Rood[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Lisa Ten Kate[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Navin P Boeddha[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Kevin van 't Kruys[SUP] 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 36476523
- DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003758
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy could damage the placenta, but data on neonates born to COVID-19-positive mothers is scarce. In this case series, we aim to describe clinical characteristics, transmission rate and outcomes at 3 months of age among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosed near the time of delivery.
Methods: Prospective, multicenter case series from Suriname. We collected clinical data of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 infection between June and August 2021. COVID-19 swabs were taken within 5 days and 2 weeks after birth. Follow-up took place at 3 months.
Results: We enrolled 18 neonates. However, 18/18 (100%) mothers were infected in the third trimester and 10/18 (55.6%) had severe COVID-19 infection requiring ICU admission and 2/10 (20%) died. In total 16/18 (77.8%) neonates were born after cesarean section and 13/18 (72.2%) were born preterm (median 35 weeks, Interquartile range 32 + 4-38 + 0). Neonatal intensive care unit admission was needed in 7/18 (38.9%) neonates. Respiratory symptoms occurred in 12/18 (66.7%), 5/18 (27.8%) were suspected of early-onset sepsis and 1/18(5.6%) of late-onset sepsis. One preterm neonate developed necrotizing enterocolitis. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive in 1/18 (5.5%) neonates within 5 days of life and in 0/11 (0%) neonates after 2 weeks. Follow-up showed mild neurodevelopmental delay in 2/14 (14.3%) patients.
Conclusion: We describe a high proportion of severely ill mothers due to COVID-19 infection with subsequent cesarean delivery and prematurity. Accounting for gestational age at birth, the neonatal clinical course and findings at follow-up appeared similar to neonates born to COVID-19-negative mothers. Maternal vaccination is recommended to prevent neonatal risks associated with prematurity and cesarean delivery.