Maternal COVID-19 Infection and Possible Associated Adverse Neurological Fetal Outcomes, Two Case Reports

Charlotte Archuleta; Christine Wade; Becky Micetic; Ashley Tian; Kartik Mody

doi:10.1055/a-1704-1929

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(12): 1292-1298
DOI: 10.1055/a-1704-1929

Short Communication

Maternal COVID-19 Infection and Possible Associated Adverse Neurological Fetal Outcomes, Two Case Reports

Authors

Charlotte Archuleta

¹College of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona

²Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
Christine Wade

²Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona

³Mednax/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona
Becky Micetic

²Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona

³Mednax/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona
Ashley Tian

²Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona

⁴Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Banner Children's Specialists Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic, Mesa, Arizona
Kartik Mody

¹College of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona

²Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona

³Mednax/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona

⁵Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, Arizona

Abstract

Introduction The long-term effects of prenatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the fetal brain are mostly unknown at this time; however, there is increasing evidence being published.

Case Report Two cases of severe ventriculomegaly, neurological dysfunction, and seizures were found in neonates with prenatal exposure to COVID-19 infection during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Conclusion Inflammation during the prenatal and neonatal periods may be associated with neurological disorders or injury. Despite the presumed lack of vertical transmission, post-COVID-19 syndrome and its associated inflammation may have an impact on the unborn fetus. Hyper-vigilance and dissemination of adverse findings are of significant importance as we navigate through this evolving pandemic and its effects.

Key Points

Prenatal exposure to COVID-19 may affect the fetal brain.
There is a possibility of neonatal neurological sequelae from maternal COVID-19.
Does maternal COVID-19 infection cause infantile seizures?

Keywords

pregnancy - COVID-19 - fetus - neonate - neurological dysfunction - seizures - inflammation - brain

Full Text

References

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