COVID-19 AND UPPER LIMB ANOMALIES IN NEWBORNS: A REASON FOR CONCERN?

Abstract

The relationship between viral infection in pregnancy and congenital anomalies is reported in the medical literature. The risks for the SARS-CoV-2 virus interfering with implantation, growth, and fetal development are not yet known. Many drugs with potential teratogenic risk are being used for treatment. The studies with the vaccine excluded pregnant women from clinical trials, currently preventing high-quality evidence. We present a review of the most common anomalies in the upper extremities caused by congenital viral infection and the risks of anti-COVID-19 therapy and vaccine during pregnancy. We aim to alert orthopedic and hand surgeons to the possibility of these conditions in the future. Level of evidence V; Narrative review.