Abstract
Objective Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease associated with atypical pneumonia
caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first
cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan at the end of 2019. Transmission usually
occurs via infected droplets and close personal contact; the possibility of vertical
transmission is still under debate. This retrospective study aimed to analyze clinical
characteristics of premature infants born to mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 disease.
Study Design This case control study compared the clinical and laboratory data of 20 premature
infants born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 with sex and gestational age–matched
historical controls.
Results The median gestational age and birth weight in both groups were similar. Respiratory
distress developed in 11 (55.5%) infants in study group and 19 (47.5%) infants in
control group. Mechanical ventilation and endotracheal surfactant administration rates
were similar. Median duration of hospitalization was 8.5 (2–76) days in study group
and 12 days in historical controls. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain
reaction tests (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab samples for SARS-CoV-2 were found to
be negative twice, in the first 24 hours and later at 24 to 48 hours of life. No neutropenia
or thrombocytopenia was detected in the study group. Patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary
dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis rates were similar between groups. No mortality
was observed in both groups.
Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies evaluating the clinical
outcomes of premature infants born to SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers. There was no evidence
of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected women
to the neonate in our cohort. The neonatal outcomes also seem to be favorable with
no mortality in preterm infants.
Key Points
-
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a challenge for pregnant women.
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Neonatal outcomes of premature infants born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 not
well defined.
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SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to have no adverse effect on mortality and morbidity in
premature infants.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2 - COVID-19 - premature - newborn
