Abstract

BACKGROUND

Limited clinical reports have investigated the effects of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on fetuses and neonates.

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of maternal COVID-19 on neonates during the perinatal period, including neonatal clinical outcomes, versus the outcomes of neonates of mothers without COVID-19.

METHODS

Neonates born to COVID-19-infected mothers at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital between February 2021 and March 2022 were included. Those with gestational age (GA) ≥35+0 weeks who were born within 2 weeks of the maternal infection were matched 1:2 with a control group based on GA. The main outcomes were respiratory diseases, including transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, the need for respiratory support, and length of hospital stay. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed and adjusted for relevant covariates, including maternal age, obstetric complications (hypertension and gestational diabetes), delivery mode, birth weight, sex, and small-for-gestational-age status.

RESULTS

The case group comprised 103 neonates (mean GA, 38.5±1.3 weeks; mean birth weight, 3,121±397 g), while the control group included 206 neonates (mean GA, 38.4±1.2 weeks; mean birth weight, 3088±428 g). In the case and control groups, the proportion of cesarean sections was 91% and 40%, respectively, while the proportion of male infants was 56% and 47%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the case group had a higher risk of TTN (adjusted odd ratio [AOR], 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-8.07), noninvasive respiratory ventilator use (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.05-4.97), and oxygen support (AOR, 4.83; 95% CI, 1.46-15.95).

CONCLUSION

Newborns born to COVID-19-infected mothers are at increased risk of TTN and may require respiratory support. Close monitoring of respiratory symptoms is crucial in neonates.

MeSH

Coronavirus, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Mothers, Parturition, Infant, Newborn, Tachypnea, Covid-19, Birth Weight, Transient Tachypnea Of The Newborn

Cited by

• COVID-19 and Its Potential Impact on Children Born to Mothers Infected During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel), 2024
• Maternal COVID-19 infection and risk of respiratory distress syndrome among newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis, 2024
• Impacts of maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy on neonatal health and epidemiology. Clin Exp Pediatr, 2024