Perinatal Transmission and Clinical Outcomes of Neonates Born to SARS-CoV-2-Positive Mothers

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes and rate of virus detection in neonates born to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-positive mothers. METHODS: This prospective study included neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers, documenting their viral polymerase chain reaction results and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 130 neonates born to 122 SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers, 12% tested positive. Most (62%) neonates were delivered via cesarean section at an average gestational age of 36 weeks, with a birth weight of 2,900 g. Only 38% neonates required admission. SARS-CoV-2-positive infants were born at a significantly lower gestational age; had a significantly lower birth weight; and had significantly higher admission rates, surfactant therapy, and bradycardia than SARS-CoV-2-negative infants. There was no significant difference in mortality rates. CONCLUSION: This study documents perinatal transmission of SARS-CoV-2. It reports for the first time the occurrence of neonatal bradycardia as a complication of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite that, neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers had relatively good short-term outcomes.