6913 Clinical profile and outcomes of neonates born to mothers with antenatally detected COVID-19 in NICU in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives Covid-19 pandemic has affected all age groups globally including pregnant women and their neonates. The rate of premature delivery has increased and SARS-COV2 infection is proportionately higher in premature neonates. The clinical presentation in neonates appeared different to older children with gastrointestinal signs and poor feeding. As per the WHO guidelines for caring pregnant women and neonates, majority of the cases reported in the case of neonates are mild and self limiting. But further studies show an incidence of certain factors (eg prematurity) more common among Covid-19 mothers. Studies are limited in number regarding the clinical profile of neonates and their outcomes. Hence this study was planned. Methods Hospital based descriptive and retrospective study carried out from September 2020 to December 2021 (14 months) at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Assam. All neonates (more than 28 months gestation) born to Covid-19 mothers diagnosed by a real time polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal swab during the delivery were included in the study. Results Out of the 95 neonates, 7 tested positive who were subsequently discharged. 2 out of the 7 needed respiratory aid (indication before prematurity). Premature being the most common cause for admission in neonates with Covid-19 mothers. Conclusion The study supports milder manifestation in Covid-19 positive neonates. Risk of transmission to Covid-19 positive mother to neonate by rooming-in and breastfeeding is low. Prematurity is seen slightly higher during Covid-19 era. References Salvatori G, Rose De DU. Breastfeeding Med 2020;15(5):347–8. Chen H, Guo J, Wang C. Lancet 2020;395:809–815. Harapan H, Itoh N, Yufika A, Winardi J, Keam S. Journal of Infection and Public Health May 2020.