Managing Preterm Infants Born to COVID-19 Mothers: Evidence from a Retrospective Cohort Study in Wuhan, China

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has spread rapidly over the world. Little is known about the outcomes of infections in pregnant women. The management and characteristics of preterm infants born to COVID-19 mothers need to be clarified. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, we describe the clinical courses of 6 preterm infants born to COVID-19 mothers, the management protocol, and related outcomes. Results: Six preterm infants were admitted to Tongji Hospital between January 23 and March 19, 2020. Gestational age ranged from 28+5 to 36+3 weeks. One late preterm infant was delivered early due to maternal dyspnea from COVID-19. Five infants were delivered by Caesarean section. None had perinatal asphyxia. Two infants required respiratory support due to respiratory distress syndrome and apnea of prematurity. All infants did not develop severe complications of prematurity and are negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing. Conclusion: With an expedited and adequate delivery protocol, less invasive treatment principle, and active infection precautious, we found a limited impact of COVID-19 mothers on preterm delivery and neonatal short-term outcomes. The risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is low in preterm infants born to COVID-19 mothers if appropriate management is implemented.