COVID‐19 in Neonates: A Review

Abstract

Neonates are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Its estimated rate in this age group is unknown. There is a robust transmission of COVID-19 from human-to-human. The result of all COVID-19 PCR tests on the amniotic fluid, placenta, cord, and breast milk was negative. The nasopharyngeal swab test of COVID-19 PCR in 56% of neonates was positive. 46.6% of neonates were asymptomatic, and in the others, the most common symptoms were: shortness of breath, tachypnea, cough, apnea, temperature instability, tachycardia. The possibility of vertical transmission (maternal-fetal) of COVID-19 is unknown. Because the most infected neonates with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, the transmission of the disease to other family members is very likely.