Clinical characteristics of 174 neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection / 中国新生儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates.Methods:From December 2022 to January 2023, neonates with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the Department of Neonatology of our hospital were retrospectively studied.The clinical data including epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 174 neonates were enrolled, including 152(87.4%) with clear exposure to SARS-CoV-2 patients prior to onset. 73 cases (42.0%) were mild type, 72(41.4%) were moderate type, 26(14.9%) were severe type and 3(1.7%) were critically severe type. 109 cases had fever, 118 had respiratory symptoms including cough, nasal congestion and spitting up bubbles, 56 had gastrointestinal symptoms including decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea and 35 had neurological symptoms including drowsiness, poor response and irritability. All 174 patients had positive nucleic acid test. White blood cell (WBC) was normal in 151 cases, decreased in 14 and increased in 9. 8 cases showed elevated C-reactive protein(CRP). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was increased in 74 cases, creatine kinase (CK) increased in 22 cases and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased in 3 cases. Chest X-ray or CT scan showed 102 cases with pneumonia. 26 cases required nasal cannula oxygen therapy and 4 cases required respiratory support (3 invasive and 1 non-invasive). 173 cases were discharged fully recovered and 1 died after withdrawal of treatment for total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) .Conclusions:Neonates are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.Most patients have a history of exposure prior to disease onset. 83.3% of all cases are mild and moderate types.Respiratory symptoms are common. Symptomatic treatments are effective with an overall good prognosis.