ABSTRACT

Background: The evidence for vertical transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not well established yet. There is a need for more data in order to establish the risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Aims and Objectives: To estimate the incidence rate of vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the neonate during the third trimester in a tertiary care hospital. Material and methods: This is a retrospective observational study of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 during the third trimester through positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR) test, who delivered at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad between May 1st, 2020, and April 31st, 2021 to evaluate the risk of vertical transmission. Evidence of vertical transmission was assessed in the neonate through a SARSCoV-2 rRT-PCR test, with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples collected from the neonates after 24 hours of birth. Evaluation of perinatal and neonatal outcomes was also done. Results: 234 neonates born to COVID-19–positive mothers, who delivered within 7 days of testing positive for COVD-19 were evaluated. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs of 2(0.8%) newborns tested positive for COVID-19: both at 24 hours of life. 131 patients (56%) delivered by cesarean section; 67 newborns (29%) had low birth weight 38(16.2%) were preterm; and 32(13.6%) required neonatal intensive care unit admission, reflecting an increased incidence of cesarean delivery and low birth weight but no neonatal mortality. All neonates remained asymptomatic on follow-up. Conclusion: The risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 is almost negligible. COVID-19 did not increase adverse neonatal outcomes, although data from larger trials is required to confirm our findings.
Publication date: 15/02/2022

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2022/February/MS_IJBPAS_2022_FEB_SPCL_1008.pdf

Download PDF
https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2022/11.2.1008