Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 20, 2020

Synthesis and Systematic Review of Reported Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections

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  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of neonatal case studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=176) defined by at least one positive nasopharyngeal swab or presence of virus-specific IgM found that vertical transmission (mother-to-child) accounted for 30% SARS-CoV-2 infections and environmental exposure accounted for 70% of infections. 64% had abnormal lung imaging, 55% of neonates developed COVID-19, with fever as the most common symptom (44%). Not separating the mother and neonate at the time of birth was associated with a higher risk of late-onset neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections (aOR=6.6), while breastfeeding was not significantly associated.

Raschetti et al. (Oct 15, 2020). Synthesis and Systematic Review of Reported Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18982-9