Clinical overview and characteristics of neonates from mothers confirmed with COVID-19 at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women need special attention during emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. Pregnancy is a standalone risk factor for the severity of COVID-19, heightening the vulnerability of both the mother and foetus. Neonatal admission, foetal distress, and low birth weight were correlated to the severity of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to provide a clinical overview and characteristics of neonates from mothers who were confirmed with COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (SSIDH) from March 2020 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria included pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who either gave birth in a hospital according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. All newborns were tested using RT-PCR SARS-COV-2 swab tests within 24 hours after birth. We used electronic medical records as a secondary source.

Result: A total of 181 pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2, 103 (56.9%) gave birth, with 101 (98.1%) undergoing caesarean section. Of the 103 who gave birth, a small proportion of mothers with COVID-19 were aged <20 years or >35 years (29.13%) and had preterm deliveries (15.53%). All newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers were alive. The severity of illness was associated with the first-minute and fifth-minute APGAR scores of newborns (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The severity of maternal COVID-19 impacts newborns' 1-minute and 5-minute APGAR scores. Implementing a strict COVID-19 protocol effectively prevents neonatal infections.

Keywords: APGAR score; COVID-19; gestation; newborn; pregnancy.

Figure 1

Flow population study