Outcome of a Neonate Born to a Mother with COVID-19: A Case Report of Vertical Transmission

Although COVID-19 in pregnant women and their neonates has been verified, its impact on neonates born to infected mothers has remained unclear and there is not enough evidence about how this vertical transmission occurs.

In this case report, we explained that a neonate girl was born to a mother with COVID-19 infection. Our main goal was to focus on the follow-up and outcome of the neonate. The neonate was at GA = 28 weeks who was born by cesarean section due to respiratory distress of her mother. Also on day 18, she experienced recurrent unilateral seizures so the sample of her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was examined.

The neonate had a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19, while this neonate after birth, due to mother’s positive PCR, immediately was isolated from the operating room. The neonate’s nasal sample was positive for more than 18 days. Twenty-six days after birth, the neonate was re-evaluated for clinical laboratories, all of which were normal and she had favorable outcomes.

In our case report despite the neonate was premature and had seizures, she had favorable outcomes because we quickly started treatment and supportive measures. It is recommended; Symptomatic neonates born to infected mothers must be evaluated for COVID-19 to start proper treatment and quarantine. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of COVID-19 in neonates and how to minimize the risk of this disease in neonates.