Proposed approaches in the neonatal and perinatal period for newborns with or suspected COVID-19 (sars-cov2) infection

Abstract

Newborns are at high risk due to immaturity of the immune system, the possibility of vertical transition at birth without evidence, the possibility of perinatal contact through urine and feces during vaginal birth, and close postpartum contact with an asymptomatic infected mother. Therefore, an appropriate approach to suspicious and specific cases in the perinatal and neonatal period should be taken in collaboration with the relevant departments.
The main route of infection is by droplets and contact, with an average incubation period of 3-7 days (min-max: 1-14 days). There are also studies showing fecal-oral transmission. The cynical form is not pathognomonic: changes in vital signs (thermolability, tachypnoea, tachycardia), difficulty breathing (wheezing, nasal congestion, apnea, cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension) and lethargy may be observed.