August 3, 2020

Vertical Transmission of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Kotlyar et al. pooled results of from 38 studies with 936 neonates to investigate SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission. They found that the proportion of vertical transmission based on RNA PCR results from infant nasopharyngeal swabs was 3.2% (95%CI 2.2-4.3%). The neonatal serology (IgM) was positive in 3.7% (3/82). The authors note that the majority of mothers in their sample were likely infected during the third trimester of pregnancy, and that the risk of vertical transmission as well as potential risk for consequent fetal morbidity and mortality may differ for pregnant women infected in early pregnancy. 

Kotlyar et al. (July 30, 2020). Vertical Transmission of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.07.049