Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Neonates Born to SARS-CoV2 Positive Mothers: An Observation Study from a Single Center in South India

Background: The World Health Organization has declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic worldwide. Older people, individuals with comorbidities, and pregnant women are more susceptible to this virus, leading to adverse outcomes and mortality. Methods: Mothers with COVID-19 were divided into two groups of symptomatic and asymptomatic positive cases. Neonates were clinically evaluated and screened at 24 - 48 hours of age for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Maternal and neonatal demographics, clinical characteristics, and follow-up at 14 days post-discharge were recorded. The adverse birth outcomes, preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM), cesarean section delivery (C-section), and duration of hospital stay were evaluated. Results: Out of 453 pregnant women, 59 (13.1%) and 394 (86.9%) were positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2, respectively. We subclassified 59 infected pregnant women were into two groups symptomatic (10.1%) and asymptomatic (89.8%). The PPROM (P = 0.001), gestational diabetes mellitus (P = 0.006), C-section (P = 0.002), and APGAR score (P = 0.029) had a significant association with SARS-CoV-2 presence in mothers and neonates. Conclusions: None of the neonates from infected pregnant women were infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting no negligible risk for mother-to-child transmission of the virus. However, the mother-newborn dyad needs to be followed up further to confirm our results.