Abstract
Objective Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to affect adults and pediatric patients
differently. While neonates are a special population, little is known about the neonatal
outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes in COVID-19 positive neonates
and incidence of vertical transmission of the virus by reviewing available literature.
Study Design This study is a narrative review of available literature on “COVID-19 in neonates,”
for which PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the published articles.
Results We summarized the data from 39 published studies that are comprised of 326 COVID-19
positive peripartum mothers with respective neonatal outcomes. Twenty-three neonates
have been reported to be COVID-19 positive. Male neonates were affected significantly
more (79%) than female neonates. Approximately 3% neonates acquired infection through
suspected vertical transmission. Strict infection prevention measures during the perinatal
time can significantly reduce the chance of horizontal transmission of the virus.
Overall, neonates were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic regardless of gestational
age at birth and required only supportive measures. There was 0% mortality in COVID-19
positive neonates.
Conclusion From available published data to date, we can conclude that the prognosis of COVID-19
positive neonates is good with no mortality. There appears to be minimal vertical
transmission of the infection.
Key Points
Majority of COVID-19 positive neonates showed mild clinical signs and symptoms with
no mortality.
Most COVID-19 positive neonates require only supportive measures.
Possibility of viral vertical transmission is very low.
Keywords COVID-19 - novel coronavirus 2019 - SARS-CoV-2 - neonates - neonatal outcomes - vertical
transmission
