Severity of Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy Predicts Neonatal Outcomes

Am J Perinatol. 2023 Apr;40(6):688-696. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1733783. Epub 2021 Jul 28.

Abstract

Objective: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak had an enormous global impact. Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 appear to have higher morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the severity of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonatal outcomes.

Study design: The clinical and laboratory data of 40 women and neonates evaluated retrospectively.

Results: This retrospective study showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had an adverse impact on neonatal outcomes proportionally with the maternal disease severity including increased prematurity rates, postnatal resuscitation need, prolonged hospital stay and longer ventilatory support requirement in infants born to mothers with moderate or severe disease.

Conclusion: Maternal disease severity had adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. The severity of maternal disease was found to be associated with increased rates of prematurity, requirement of postnatal resuscitation, prolonged hospital stay, and longer ventilatory support.

Key points: · SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a problem for pregnant women.. · Vertical transmission has been shown in limited studies.. · Maternal disease severity may have impact on neonatal outcomes..

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases*
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2