Published time: 25 March 2020
Authors: Fahri Ovalı
Keywords: Newborn, COVID-19, vertical transmission
Abstract
Novel type Coronavirus-19 is seen mainly in elderly people but it may be encountered in pregnant women and newborns also. The information about its clinical features, laboratory findings, and prognosis in children and newborns is scarce. Since the immunological systems of the newborns have not developed completely, it may be considered that their risks are larger. All the reported cases in pregnant women were in the 3rd trimester and only 1% of them developed severe disease. There is no data yet on the materno-fetal transmission of the disease. Case reports of newborns are similar to those of adults. Definitive diagnosis can be made by a history of contact with a proven case, fever, pneumonia and gastrointestinal disorder. Lymphopenia, liver and renal function disorders may be seen. Suspected or proven cases of newborns should be isolated in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least 14 days with standard and droplet isolation precautions. If needed, the transport of the neonate should be performed in a transport incubator with isolation precautions. The incubator and the ambulance should be disinfected before and after the transport. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but hemodynamic stabilization of the infant, respiratory management, and other daily care is essential. Some drugs are under investigation. Routine antibiotics are not recommended. No deaths have been reported in infected cases. Possible hyperbilirubinemia of the infant should be managed appropriately. Families and healthcare staff should receive psychological support. Since the infection is quite new and knowledge is constantly accumulating, following scientific developments is crucial.
COVID-19 infections in newborns
Reference: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/anadoluklin/issue/53241/708589
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