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Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(01): 110-113
DOI: 10.1055/a-1877-6640
Short Communication

A Term Infant Presenting with COVID-19 Disease at Birth and a Croup-Like Cough

Michelle Arnold
1   College of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
2   United States Air Force, Phoenix, Arizona
3   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Christine Wade
3   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
4   MEDNAX/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Becky Micetic
3   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
4   MEDNAX/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Kartik Mody
1   College of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
3   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
4   MEDNAX/Arizona Neonatology, Phoenix, Arizona
5   Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
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Abstract

Objective Since the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there have been increasing reports of children developing a croup-like cough associated with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Currently, there is not much information available regarding newborn infants and COVID-19 infection and the incidence of vertical transmission is thought to be rare. This novel case report depicts a term newborn infected at the time of birth with COVID-19 and includes details about the course of their complicated hospitalization.

Study Design A term infant, found to be infected at birth with COVID-19, developed respiratory distress resulting in transfer to our neonatal intensive care unit. Due to the increasing respiratory support requirements, endotracheal intubation was required on day of life (DOL) 7. Later, when the infant was extubated, on DOL 21, a croup-like cough developed.

Results Despite respiratory treatment with albuterol, budesonide, racemic epinephrine, lidocaine, dornase alfa, and a 10-day course of dexamethasone, the cough persisted. A prolonged hospitalization was required and eventually the infant was discharged home on 0.4 L/minute of oxygen via nasal cannula on DOL 95.

Conclusion As the COVID-19 virus mutates over time, there are some seemingly different presentations in both the pediatric and adult populations. The hypervigilance and sharing of new findings among providers are paramount in the treatment of infants with COVID-19 disease.

Key Points

  • Term infant with COVID-19 developed a croup-like cough.

  • Usual respiratory treatment not effective with croup-like cough and COVID-19.

  • COVID-19 present at birth later requiring intubation.

Keywords

newborn - infant - COVID-19 - neonatal intensive care unit - croup - cough - respiratory distress


Publication History

Received: 11 March 2022

Accepted: 26 May 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
17 June 2022

Article published online:
02 September 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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