Neonatal Resuscitation and Postresuscitation Care of Infants Born to Mothers with Suspected or Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

The first case of novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in November2019. The rapid progression to a global pandemic of COVID-19 has had profound medical, social, and economic consequences. Pregnant women and newborns represent a vulnerable population. However, the precise impact of this novel virus on the fetus and neonate remains uncertain. Appropriate protection of health care workers and newly born infants during and after delivery by a COVID-19 mother is essential. There is some disagreement among expert organizations on an optimal approach based on resource availability, surge volume, and potential risk of transmission. The manuscript outlines the precautions and steps to be taken before, during, and after resuscitation of a newborn born to a COVID-19 mother, including three optional variations of current standards involving shared-decision making with parents for perinatal management, resuscitation of the newborn, disposition, nutrition, and postdischarge care. The availability of resources may also drive the application of these guidelines. More evidence and research are needed to assess the risk of vertical and horizontal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Key Points

• The risk of vertical transmission is unclear; transmission from family members/providers to neonates is possible.

• Optimal personal-protective-equipment (airborne vs. droplet/contact precautions) for providers is crucial to prevent transmission.

• Parents should be engaged in shared decision-making with options for rooming in, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding.

Keywords

neonatal resuscitation - COVID-19 - novel coronavirus - SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of the novel virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome–corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the global pandemic, novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19).[1] [2] China reported the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection on November 17, 2019.[3] Within 2 months, on January 20, 2020, a traveler from Wuhan was the first reported case of COVID-19 in the United States.[4] With a rapid rate of transmission, 972,640 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally as of April 3, 2020 with 50,325 deaths.[1] With a wide spectrum of presentation of the illness, and the inability to adequately screen the population at risk, these numbers underestimate the rate of transmission and its global impact on morbidity and mortality. As of 2016, women in the childbearing age group represent 20% of U.S. population.[5] As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not known if pregnant mothers are at increased risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection or whether they are at more risk for developing serious illness as a result.[6] It remains unclear if vertical transmission of the virus occurs during pregnancy. Limited evidence suggests that vertical transmission in utero is rare including a report of nine pregnant infected women in China whose infants all tested negative for the virus.[7] However, more recently, immunoglobulin (Ig)-M antibodies have been detected in newly born infants, although viral RNA has not been isolated, suggesting a possibility of vertical transmission. In addition, disruption of the placental barrier in placental abruption or maternal-fetal hemorrhage may potentially transmit the virus and/or IgM antibodies to the fetal circulation. Based on our knowledge of other viruses that cause severe respiratory illness (influenza, SARS-CoV, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus [MERS-CoV]), neonates, especially those born preterm, are at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 postnatally secondary to an immature immune system. Resuscitating a neonate born to a mother suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 poses a risk to the neonate and health care providers. With limited availability of literature to guide perinatal management, the intent of this manuscript is to provide a stepwise approach to resuscitating, stabilizing, and providing postnatal care to an infant born to a mother who is suspected or has confirmed COVID-19. As more evidence becomes available, these guidelines are likely to evolve.

Obstetric Patient under Investigation for COVID-19

The range of illnesses reported among pregnant women with COVID-19 is variable. In the previously noted case series by Chen et al involving nine pregnant women with COVID-19, the signs and symptoms of pneumonia were similar to nonpregnant adult patients.[7] In a report including 32 pregnant women affected by COVID-19, 7 were asymptomatic, 1 required intensive care, and 1 was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.[8]

A suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 should be handled as per CDC recommendations depending upon each institutional obstetric facility and availability of resources.[9] For source-containment, the pregnant woman must wear a mask ([Fig. 1]). While transporting an obstetric patient who is a person under investigation (PUI) for SARS-CoV-2 infection, health care providers should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes contact and droplet precautions (mask with goggles/face-shield, gown, and gloves). The following pertinent information should be collected: recent history of contact with a known infected person, gestational age at exposure and time of labor, existing medical illness including pregnancy complications. Pregnant women with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with “influenza-like illness (ILI)” should undergo testing for SARS-CoV-2. Testing includes nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs placed in a viral transport medium for RNA detection (typically real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]). A designated team of health care providers with appropriate PPE should care for these patients preferably in a negative pressure room.

Fig. 1 Setting up of a birthing room for a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 undergoing labor and delivery. A negative pressure room is preferred with limited number of providers in the room to limit exposure. Additional personnel may be outside the room and be available if extensive neonatal resuscitation is needed. COVID-19, novel coronavirus disease 2019; PAPR, powered air-purifying respirator. Image Courtesy: Satyan Lakshminrusimha.

Approach to Birth, Resuscitation, and Postnatal Care

Case series published, to date, suggest a higher than expected number of preterm deliveries (15 out of 32 deliveries were preterm.[7] [8] [10] [11] [12] The extent to which maternal COVID-19 infection increases risk of preterm delivery remains unclear, though there are several unpublished reports of preterm delivery due to severe maternal infection (bilateral pneumonia with respiratory insufficiency and shock). Until there is more extensive testing, the probability of reporting bias remains high.

In Spain, based on data from at least 25 pregnant women, prematurity was secondary to an obstetric decision to deliver due to the severity of the infection in the mother (bilateral pneumonia with respiratory insufficiency and shock). If the mother was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, gestation was allowed to progress (unpublished data from the Spanish Maternal and Neonatal Network; Health Research Institute Carlos III; Ministry of Science and Innovation).

Presurgery Preparation of Staff in Obstetric and Neonatal Division

Prior to the surgery, it is crucial to plan for additional delivery rooms, personnel, and simulations to care for an obstetric patient with COVID-19 and her newborn. Make-shift delivery and operation rooms may need to be in place with proper PPE for the patients and health care providers in regions anticipating a surge. Simulations to handle delivery room situations are important to understand the logistics, workflow, safety equipment during resuscitation, and transition of care from the birthing room to nursery/neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Additional rooms for testing and safely discarding kits and disinfecting delivery and operation rooms should be in place.

Prenatal Consult and Preparations for Delivery

If a prenatal consultation is required, especially in births associated with extreme prematurity, outcomes based on gestational age, and available data should be discussed using phone/video to minimize exposure to healthcare providers. In situations where a full prenatal consultation is not possible, the obstetric and neonatal team should discuss optimal management and involve parents in shared decision making through phone/video consultation.

Recent media reports suggest an uptick in pregnant mothers seeking home deliveries. These deliveries pose additional challenges to health care workers and transmission risk to neonates.

Preparation for delivery of a suspected COVID-19 woman is shown in [Fig. 1]. The benefits and risks of skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping (DCC), immediate separation of the infant from the mother and nutrition strategies should be reviewed with the parents ([Table 1]; [Fig. 2]). This discussion should include recognition that our understanding of these risks and benefits is limited, with no data on long-term developmental outcomes in COVID-19 positive neonates and risks to other family members and health care workers must also be factored into shared decision making.

Table 1 Options based on shared-decision making with parents to manage an infant born to a mother suspected or confirmed with COVID-19

Scenario	Option A	Option B	Option C
Delivery	Necessary precautions as recommended by CDC delivery and resuscitation in negative pressure room	Necessary precautions as recommended by CDC with designated negative pressure room or isolation room	Necessary precautions as recommended by CDC in an isolation room
Visitor policy at delivery	No visitors/partners allowed, video link only	One visitor/partner/spouse allowed following screen for COVID-19	One or two visitors allowed following screening for COVID-19
Neonatal resuscitation	The resuscitation is performed in a separate negative pressure room	The resuscitation is performed in the delivery room 6 feet or 2 m away from the mother with a curtain/physical barrier with limited providers in a negative pressure room	The resuscitation is performed in the delivery room 6 feet or 2 m away from the mother with limited providers in an isolation room
Delayed cord clamping	No delayed cord clamping under any circumstance	Delayed cord clamping in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mothers	Delayed cord clamping in all mothers
Skin-to skin care	No skin-to-skin contact	Skin-to-skin contact only in asymptomatic mothers (with a mask + hand hygiene)	skin-to-skin contact only in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic mothers (with a mask + hand hygiene)
Infant placement	Separate negative pressure room in nursery/neonatal intensive care unit depending on gestational age/birth weight	Negative pressure room with infant in an isolette with visits from the mother wearing a mask and performing careful and frequent hand hygiene	In the same room with mother, infant cared in an isolette, but kept 6 feet or 2 m from mother except during feeding; mother wears a mask + hand hygiene
Neonatal testing	Nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs at 24 and 48 hours after birth (six swabs)	Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal at 24-hour after birth (2–3 swabs)	No testing of neonate if asymptomatic
Maternal testing to end transmission precautions	Afebrile (without antipyretics) and improvement of symptoms and 2 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing are negative × 2 at least 24-hour apart	Afebrile (without antipyretics) and improvement of symptoms and 2 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing are negative × 1	Afebrile (without antipyretics) and improvement of symptoms
Nutritional support (if intent to breastfeed)	Formula or donor milk if available, Pump and discard EBM if mother desires to breastfeed	Clean breasts; express EBM with precautions, EBM fed by a healthy caretaker	Mother uses PPE and cleans breasts to breastfeed infant
Visitation policy for infant	Restrict mother's and other family members' visitation until two specimens are negative and mother is asymptomatic. If possible, allow video visitation	Mother can visit. Restrict other visitors. Allow video visitation	One visitor who has been screened could visit mother and baby
Infant exposed to COVID-19 positive healthcare provider	Isolate baby in a negative pressure room and isolette and resume regular care only after two specimens at least 24-hour apart test negative with no symptoms	Care in an isolette until two specimens at least 24-hour apart test negative with no symptoms	Test infant only if symptomatic
Discharge plans and postdischarge care	The newborn could be transferred to a healthy caregiver until mother is afebrile (without antipyretics) with improvement of symptoms and 2 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing are negative × 2 at least 24-hour apart	Discharge to mother with contact and droplet precautions until mother is afebrile (without antipyretics) with improvement of symptoms and 2 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing are negative × 2 at least 24-hour apart	Discharge home with mother with contact and droplet precautions; no further maternal testing unless symptoms/signs do not resolve in 14 days or her condition deteriorates
Infant testing and follow-up after discharge	Test infant with nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal at 2–3 weeks after discharge Frequent video visits or phone calls	Test infant with nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal at 2–3 weeks only if previously negative; Frequent video visits or phone calls	No further testing unless infant is symptomatic; Frequent video visits or phone calls
Potential risk of transmission to neonate	Low	Unknown but possible	Unknown but could be moderate

Abbreviations: CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19, novel coronavirus disease-2019; EBM, expressed breast milk; PPE, personal protective equipment; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2.

Note: each option listed in this table could be modified based on institutional preference to develop an individual policy based on available resources, facility and patient volume. The predominant factor driving these choices is maternal acceptance of risk of transmission. Each center may adopt different options for each row and come up with an algorithm. An example of such an algorithm at UC Davis Medical Center is shown in [Fig. 2].

Fig. 2 Infographic showing the approach to neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 including a combination of options A, B, and C ([Table 1]) based on decisions made with parental involvement, at the University of California at Davis Medical Center. The pink panel reflects a conservative approach with strict isolation methods to limit viral transmission to the neonate at the cost of maternal-infant bonding. The green panel shows strategies to minimize transmission while accommodating maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding. The risk of infection with such an approach must be emphasized during discussion with parents. Please see text and [Table 1] for details. DR, delivery room; EBM, expressed breast milk; OR, operating room; PAPR, powered air-purifying respirator; PPE, personal protective equipment; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2. Image Courtesy: Satyan Lakshminrusimha.

The mother should be transported to labor and delivery with a mask for source-containment with precautions to minimize exposure to health care workers. This process includes screening before (by phone or video visit) and upon hospital entry. The possibility of infection in the mother's partner should be considered and addressed as per the hospital's visitation policy. Most centers will screen visitors and prevent them from being present during labor and delivery if they have risk factors or signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Interaction with the spouse/partner through digital media is an option ([Fig. 1]). New York state recently issued an advisory that one support person (asymptomatic and screened negative for COVID-19) is essential for patient care during delivery (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/doh_covid19_obpedsvisitation_032720.pdf). The number of providers (obstetric and neonatal) in the delivery room should be minimized to limit exposure. Additional providers might stay outside the delivery room and be summoned in case of an emergency.

Use of Antenatal Steroids

The effect of administering antenatal steroids (ANS) in a COVID-19 mother for possible premature delivery remains unknown. The beneficial effects of ANS for preterm neonates differ in resource-rich and resource-limited areas. How this risk:benefit ratio is altered by COVD-19 is unknown.[13] [14] The immunosuppressive effect of steroids could affect maternal response to infection in COVID-19. Variations in neonatal mortality following ANS in different countries and the plausible association with infection raises concern about its use with coexisting COVID-19.[15] However, maternal influenza and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are not contraindications to ANS administration. Yet, careful consideration is warranted regarding the potential morbidity of the premature infant. ANS are known to accelerate the development of type-2 alveolar cells in the lung, cells that are rich in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a coreceptor for SARS-CoV-2 viral entry. However, this theoretical risk is countered by a significant decrease in mortality and morbidity in preterm infants following ANS. There is currently no evidence to support or refute ANS in mothers with COVID-19 with impending preterm delivery. Obstetric providers should discuss the known benefits and unknown risks associated with ANS in mothers with confirmed COVID-19 with the pregnant woman, and clinical decisions made on a case-by-case basis. The use of magnesium sulfate and other maternal interventions are continued as per standard obstetric protocols.

Mode of Delivery and Anesthesia

The mode of delivery and anesthesia is best decided as per maternal and fetal indications by the obstetric and anesthesia teams. There is no evidence to suggest one mode of delivery is preferred over the other. Cesarean delivery in the operating room (OR) will result in exposure to a larger number of health care workers compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery. Endotracheal intubation of the mother for general anesthesia will increase the risk of droplet generation compared with spinal anesthesia. For women presenting with sudden and severe respiratory insufficiency, general anesthesia should be considered if their respiratory status requires mechanical ventilation.

Equipment

If there is a potential need for aerosol-generating procedures (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), intubation/extubation, deep suctioning, etc.), PPE should include powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or goggles with an N95 mask plus gown and gloves. Since it is not possible to predict which infants will require intubation or deep suctioning, the neonatal team may consider wearing airborne PPE for all deliveries of COVID-19 positive or suspected women. Prescription eyeglasses do not offer adequate eye protection. Spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean section are considered exposure to bodily fluid, and airborne precautions are usually not necessary for the obstetric team. However, N95 fit-tested masks may be used for added protection (if available) or if there is a high potential for an aerosol-generating procedure. In some hospitals, T-piece resuscitator is preferred over the bag and mask ventilation. Both antibacterial filters and viral filters are available that could be connected to the circuit.[16]

A complete updated description regarding PPE, its proper use and disposal is available at the CDC web site.[6] [9]

Amniotic Fluid and Meconium Staining

The report by Chen et al tested six samples of amniotic fluid from COVID-19 mothers and all were negative for SARS CoV-2. Current guidelines do not recommend routine intubation for either vigorous or nonvigorous infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and no evidence has been presented to suggest this guideline should be altered for the COVID-19 delivery.

Skin-to-Skin Contact and Kangaroo Mother Care

A recent guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO)[17] suggested that mothers and infants with suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 be given the option to remain together with skin-to-skin contact, especially immediately after birth during the establishment of breastfeeding. A more restrictive approach recommended by the Chinese guidelines[18] and Spanish guidelines[19] focuses on minimizing the risk of exposure to the infant by avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact after delivery, including placement of the infant on the maternal abdomen. Shared decision-making with the parents before delivery regarding the potential risks and benefits of skin-to-skin care and kangaroo mother care is recommended. Such a discussion should include risks of exposure to both the neonate and to health care providers.

Umbilical Cord Management

The Chinese expert consensus guideline suggests that infants born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should receive immediate cord clamping to mitigate the possibility of transplacental passage.[18] Currently, there are no cases of confirmed vertical transmission diagnosed by detecting viral RNA from a mother to a fetus.[20] Given that the fetus has exchanged the same blood supply during the entire pregnancy, if vertical transmission was possible, it would likely have occurred before delivery. However, recent reports of elevated COVID-19 IgM levels in three newborn infants born to mothers with COVID-19 positive have raised concerns about vertical transmission.[21] [22] [23] None of these neonates were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Thus current evidence suggests that vertical transmission is probably uncommon and more evidence is needed.

DCC for the vigorous infant allows for a redistribution of placental blood back to the infant and maintains preload, as the lungs are recruited, and as such, does not increase the risk of vertical transmission. This is consistent with recommendations of mothers infected with viruses known to cause transplacental infection such as HIV.[24] The benefits for DCC include increased hemoglobin and iron,[25] Igs and stem cells,[26] and improved neurodevelopment.[27] These benefits outweigh the unlikely risk for acquiring COVID-19 through DCC. DCC should be performed for at least 60 seconds if the baby is vigorous. Ventilating an infant with DCC in this instance is not recommended to reduce the risk of exposure to health care personnel. Whether the baby is placed on the mother's abdomen or held by the obstetrician during DCC should be discussed with the mother prior to delivery as mentioned previously. We recommend that the obstetric provider hold the baby during DCC. In some centers, immediate cord clamping is preferred if mother is symptomatic (fever, cough, and other respiratory symptoms), to minimize exposure in the delivery room. Currently, there is no evidence to support other modes of placental transfusion such as umbilical cord milking.

Delivery

Delivery of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient should preferably take place in a center with the capacity to care for critically ill adults and neonates and in a negative pressure room. The neonatology/newborn team should be informed, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before delivery. Appropriate PPE should be available for the neonatal team. Centers could have a PPE grab and go kit containing approximately six face shields or goggles, six N95 masks and gloves, and gowns, readily available for the neonatal resuscitation team. If a mother needs a cesarean section, additional PPE (or PAPR carts) should be available for added health care team members. In some countries and places with a higher number of COVID-19 cases, ad hoc delivery rooms, and operating rooms have been designated for these patients. In some hospitals, outborn infants are routed to designated paths, thus avoiding the emergency room.

The designated delivery/operating room, should have adequate equipment including a radiant warmer, airway accessories (suction, facemask, endotracheal tube, laryngeal airway, positive pressure apparatus, oxygen, and blender) and a cart with medications/fluids/umbilical catheter placement kit for advanced resuscitation as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

Designated Resuscitation Team

Hospital facilities could consider the designation of a specific newborn resuscitation team to attend deliveries of mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. A designated team in a high-volume birthing center could potentially minimize exposure and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among health care providers and from infected mothers to noninfected mothers and infants. A minimum number of neonatal resuscitators should be in the room, with the rest of the team being available outside the room.

Stabilization and Resuscitation of the Neonate

The current AAP and NRP recommendations in the delivery room should be followed.[28] The optimal location for neonatal stabilization and resuscitation is not clear. It can be conducted in an adjacent room or the same place at least 6 feet or 2 m away from the mother with a physical barrier such as a curtain ([Fig. 3]). It is preferable to conduct resuscitation in an isolette with a hood that can be elevated to provide warmth for resuscitation and then lowered for transport. Regardless of gestational age, the newborn should be transported in a closed isolette and maintained in the isolette for postresuscitation care.

Fig. 3 Resuscitation in the delivery room with precautions to minimize risk to the infant. Appropriate PPE and maintaining at least 6-feet or 2-m distance from the mother with a barrier (curtain) in between is important. Alternatively, infant may be resuscitated in a separate room. AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; NRP, Neonatal Resuscitation Program; PAPR, powered air-purifying respirator. Image Courtesy: Satyan Lakshminrusimha.

Airway Management

A newborn airway should be managed as per NRP recommendations.[28] Clearing the airway by suctioning could generate aerosols. Adequate PPE as mentioned previously will protect the providers present in the delivery room. “In a neonate who requires positive pressure ventilation (PPV), the resuscitation is performed as per AAP and NRP recommended parameters and target saturations with supplemental oxygen.” Personnel involved in the placement of an advanced airway, such as an endotracheal tube, should take precautions by wearing fit-tested N95 masks/PAPR, face shields/goggles, and double gloves before the procedure. The most experienced provider should perform intubation and other procedures to limit aerosol generation.

It remains unclear if use of a T-piece resuscitation device to provide CPAP/PPV via facemask could generate aerosols. Close ventilator circuits with appropriate bacterial/viral filters and sealed mask will minimize leakage. However, with reported 50 to 60% leakage during mask ventilation in the delivery room, especially with premature neonates,[29] appropriate PPE for resuscitators are extremely important. It is considered that laryngeal mask airway (LMA) reduces aerosol generation and could be an alternative to face mask ventilation.[30] Open suction of endotracheal tube while administering surfactant or clearing secretions could generate aerosols, and a provider should anticipate such situations and be prepared.

Advanced Resuscitation

Chen et al do not report neonatal depression/asphyxia in the nine livebirths to mothers with COVID-19. However, it is unknown whether maternal COVID-19 infection increases risk for severe neonatal depression requiring chest compressions and epinephrine administration as per NRP guidelines.[28] An infant born to a mother with COVID-19 severe acute respiratory distress under general anesthesia could be depressed and may require resuscitation either as a consequence of maternal respiratory disease or anesthesia. As with non-COVID-19 resuscitations, fluid boluses and blood products are needed in special circumstances, such as severe blood loss due to placental abruption, with precautions recommended by CDC.[9] Currently, it remains unknown whether maternal COVID-19 alters the outcomes of neonates requiring advanced resuscitation.

Disposition of the Newborn

Poststabilization, the newborn should be transported in a closed isolette and isolated in a negative pressure room. The disposition to the newborn nursery/mother–baby unit/NICU is made based on gestational age, newborn's condition, need for antibiotics, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, maternal condition postdelivery, and individual hospital policies. A specialized team caring for newborns born to COVID-19 mothers could minimize the transmission and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers.

An early bath to minimize exposure can be considered in stable term newborn infants born to a mother with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Nutritional Support

The optimal mode of nutrition for an infant born to COVID-19 mother is not known. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. No reports are demonstrating SARS-CoV-2 virus in breastmilk[7]; in contrast, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in breastmilk in anecdotal reports. For COVID-19 positive mothers whose infants are still negative or pending a test, three approaches can be considered. A shared-decision between provider and mother is necessary to choose the optimal nutrition for these infants. Each approach will maintain breast milk production. Depending upon the availability of resources, patient volume/surge, parents' understanding of the potential risk of exposure, we have proposed three options A, B, and C for various steps during the care of a neonate born to a mother with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 ([Fig. 2]). There are no official statements from the Human Milk Banking Association of North America regarding screening of donors of breastmilk. However, institutions should be prepared to save donor milk for extremely premature infants secondary to the risk of shortage due to social isolation protocols.

1. Option A (parents and providers prefer to decrease risk of transmission and accept the risk of limited mother–infant bonding and resources are abundant, with relatively low patient volume): the infant receives formula (or donor milk if available). The mother can pump and dump milk until she is asymptomatic with two negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 at least 24-hour apart.

2. Option B (parents and providers prefer to limit risk of transmission and encourage mother–infant bonding and resources are starting to fall behind demand, with modest patient volume): the mother washes her breast with soap and water and expresses milk while wearing a mask. The mother should clean the breast pump tubing and container after each use and preferably have a dedicated breast pump. Strict hand hygiene must be followed. A healthy family member/nurse can feed the expressed milk to the baby in a separate room. This approach continues until the mother meets the same criteria as in option A.

3. Option C (parents and providers prefer to accept risk of transmission and encourage mother–infant bonding or resources and space are limited, with high patient volume): mother wears a surgical mask, washes her hands and breasts with soap and water and breastfeeds the baby. Parents should understand that the risk of transmission with this approach is uncertain but possible. These precautions continue until mother is afebrile (without antipyretics), demonstrates improvement of symptoms and has two negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 at least 24-hour apart. In some instances, if mother and baby are asymptomatic, they are discharged home with further testing only if baby becomes symptomatic.

CDC does not give a clear recommendation among the above choices. WHO supports continuation of breastfeeding with necessary precautions (option C).

Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Specific Therapy

The safety of breastfeeding when mother is on antiviral therapy remains unknown. There are ongoing trials of remdesivir among patients with COVID-19 (NCT04292899). Nothing is known about the passage of remdesivir into breastmilk. One newborn infant with Ebola was treated with remdesivir and did not experience any adverse events.[31] The current remdesivir trail only includes adult patients 18 years and older. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are listed as exclusion criteria in some of these trials. Hydroxychloroquine is being considered as a potential therapy for COVID-19. The package insert data state no increase in rates of birth defects in exposed mothers. No ill effects are reported in infants from maternal hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding. Investigational drug sarilumab is an interleukin-6 IgG1 monoclonal antibody and there is no data available on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Postnatal Workup and Care of the Neonate

If the mother is positive for SARS-CoV-2, the infant should be tested at or beyond 24 hours after birth. Separate swabs of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and rectum are recommended depending on the availability and turnaround time of testing facilities. In our institution, nasopharyngeal swabs are most relevant for clinical intervention due to short turnaround time and in-house availability for testing. Depending on the sensitivity and specificity of the test, a second test 24 hours later may be valuable for confirmation. To date, the literature reports four neonates who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 36 hours of life.[8] [18] [32]

Obtaining Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-CoV-2

Currently, RT-PCR is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.[33] CDC recommendations should be followed while collecting diagnostic tests from a PUI.[33] A nasopharyngeal swab is preferably obtained in a negative pressure room or in isolation with adequate PPE (fit-tested mask/PAPR/face mask depending upon the supply, goggles/face shield, and gown). After obtaining the sample, PPE should be discarded and the room where the swabs were obtained should be cleaned.

As per the Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 infection,[11] a positive RT-PCR for the nucleic acid of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from either the nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal or rectal swab is sufficient for diagnosis. Some institutions do not have the capability of testing rectal swabs at this time. The accuracy of RT-PCR could be affected by the lack of harmonization in the procedure, for example, the difference in primers and probes.[34] European countries employ nine primers as compared with three primers used routinely.[34] [35] Infants under investigation for COVID-19 could be cared for in an isolette if a negative pressure room is not available. Contact and droplet precautions should continue as recommended by CDC.[6] [9] In places with surge status, health care providers and attendees are all routinely screened for symptoms and signs of COVID-19 in the NICU.

Fig. 4 Exposure to COVID-19 during the perinatal period and the possible clinical signs and symptoms along with laboratory changes in a newborn. The disease may be classified into early onset or late-onset. COVID-19, novel coronavirus disease 2019; Ig, immunoglobulin; RT-PCR, real-time polymerase chain reaction; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2. Image Courtesy: Satyan Lakshminrusimha.

Care of a Preterm or Symptomatic Term Infant in the NICU

Infants born preterm or term with other pathology may necessitate care in the NICU. If a newborn with COVID-19 exhibits respiratory symptoms, a chest X-ray is indicated. A diffuse ground glass appearance has been described in adults, but the radiographic features of neonates with lower respiratory tract infection due to SARS-CoV-2 have not been well characterized. In the NICU, these infants should be cared for in an isolette in a negative pressure room. Contact and droplet precautions are recommended unless the infant is undergoing aerosol-generating procedures, such as deep suctioning, CPAP, intubation/extubation, or mechanical ventilation, in which case, airborne precautions (PAPR or N95 mask plus goggles, gloves, and gown) are indicated. Given the common use of uncuffed tubes, both conventional ventilators and high-frequency ventilators include some risk of aerosolization. The oxygen filters, tubing for the ventilator, face mask, and any other device as part of the respiratory management should be disposed or carefully sterilized depending upon the availability of resources. The number of providers in the room is restricted with proper disposal of any PPE used to care for a PUI or a confirmed COVID-19.

Symptomatic Newborn (Early-Onset Disease)

Zeng et al describe the characteristics of three symptomatic COVID-19 neonates born to mothers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR.[32] Two of these neonates were term (40^4/7 weeks), and one was preterm at 31^2/7 weeks. Chest imaging in all three neonates demonstrated signs of pneumonia. The preterm infant had features of respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia with signs of sepsis and coagulopathy. He/she required noninvasive mechanical ventilation and antibiotic therapy. Other clinical features noted/included are fever, tachypnea, feeding intolerance and cyanosis ([Fig. 4]). Laboratory analysis revealed leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated creatinine kinase-MB fraction. The RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal and anal swabs were positive on days 2 and 4 for all three neonates and was negative after day 6. There is no evidence to date that administration of immunoglobulins, antivirals, and steroids improves outcomes of neonates with severe COVID-19.

Late-Onset Disease

Although there are no case reports, late-onset respiratory distress has been described in several infants 1 to 3 weeks after birth and/or discharge. These cases likely represent postnatally acquired disease and generally are mild and self-resolved. Once an infant is discharged, there is at least 15% or higher chance of horizontal transmission from household contacts in the absence of transmission barriers.[36]

Management of a Neonate Exposed to a COVID-19 Positive Health Care Provider/Visitor

In the hospital setting, preterm infants and neonates with comorbidities have a longer length of stay and a higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital. Depending upon the resources and patient volume, we propose three options to manage these neonates in [Table 1]. Given the widespread community prevalence of COVID-19 in the United States, many Public Health agencies are not testing contacts unless they are symptomatic. However, based on the Korean experience with more widespread testing, the biological behavior/habit of the virus could provide valuable information.[35]

Discharge and Posthospital Care

To date, there have been no reports of mortality reported in infants with COVID-19.[32] [37] [38] A healthy caregiver may care for the newborn until mother is afebrile (without antipyretics), demonstrates improvement of symptoms and has two negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 at least 24-hour apart. If the social situation does not favor separation from mother, discharge of the neonate with droplet and adequate precaution is recommended. If initial testing is negative in the infant, repeat testing could be considered depending on the clinical situation taking into account development of signs, exposure to known cases, etc.

Although the severity of COVID-19 is less in the pediatric age group compared with adults, Dong et al have shown that infants are vulnerable.[39] [40] Thus, follow-up of neonates confirmed to have COVID-19 with repeat testing is important to prevent disease transmission. Adult studies have shown prolonged fecal shedding of the virus even after the oropharyngeal swabs are negative.[41] How long the infected neonate sheds SARS-CoV-2 in the feces is unknown. To detect late-onset disease, we recommend close follow-up of mother and infant through video visits or phone calls.

Importance of Limiting Transmission and Reporting

Effect of the novel coronal virus on pregnancy, vertical transmission, fetal development, and neonatal outcomes remains unknown. With the increasing rates of transmission, and dwindling resources, there is a growing need for accurate data/evidence to inform effective guidelines for perinatal management.[42] It is imperative to reduce rising fears and optimize strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to neonates and health care workers. Shared decision-making among providers and parents educates and empowers parents and maintains focus on family-centered outcomes.

Conclusion

With emerging evidence, recommendations for management of perinatal COVID-19 continue to evolve. The approaches summarized here are based on available evidence and personal opinion. These recommendations are subjected to change as more evidence becomes available. The presented approaches provide flexibility and allow perinatal health care providers and parents to determine the best options based on the assessment of risks and benefits, available personnel, space, case load, and resources. In the pandemic of COVID-19, the common ailments of neonates will remain higher on the differential diagnosis. However, the possibility of infection from SARS-CoV-2 should be considered in the ill infant for the foreseeable future. It is also of prime importance that health care providers protect themselves while providing the best care possible.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Note

D.T., P.C., and S.L. are scientific experts associated with ILCOR and S.L. is a member of the steering committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program. M.V. is the Chairman of the European Board of Neonatology (European Society for Pediatric Research) and the Chairman of the Spanish Maternal, Neonatal, and Developmental Network SAMID (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Carlos III, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Kingdom of Spain). However, the views expressed in this article are individual opinions of the authors and do not reflect official recommendations of these organizations.

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