ABSTRACT
Background: Infections during pregnancy can increase the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. This study aimed to prospectively monitor children exposed in utero to SARS-CoV-2 from birth to 15 years of age with a secondary aim to identify biomarkers of neurodevelopmental impairments. Method(s): Women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and sociodemographic and age matched non-exposed women were recruited from Monash Health, Australia (N=112 mother-infant dyads). Demographics, biospecimens and clinical data are collected at multiple time points from birth-15 years using standardised sample collection and neurological and behavioural scales. We present here the birth data. Result(s): Mother-infant dyads are classified as;non-exposed, mild SARS-CoV-2 (limitation of activities) and severe SARS-CoV-2 (hospitalised). Edinburgh postnatal depression scale scores were significantly higher in severe SARS-CoV-2 vs. non-exposed mothers (p<0.05). Maternal attachment scores were unchanged. Hammersmith neonatal neurological assessment scores were unchanged across groups, as were anthropometric measures. Severe SARS-CoV-2 exposed infants had lower scores on the sensory profile 2 questionnaire auditory domain than non-exposed infants (p<0.05). Analysis of infant buccal DNA (Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip >850,000 CpGs, N=8) showed hypomethylation of the gene AFAP-1 (q value<0.0008), and hypermethylation of neurodevelopmental pathways;'dendrite morphology' and 'axogenesis' in SARS-CoV-2 infants vs. non-exposed. Conclusion(s): While most assessments show no group differences thus far, the severe SARS-CoV-2 exposed group are faring worse in terms of maternal mental health, infant auditory domains and infant hypermethylation of genes belonging to neurodevelopmental pathways. Follow up assessments at 1-15 years will inform as to whether these initial group differences are early signs of more severe neurodevelopmental outcomes. Funding Source: Other - One in Five Philanthropic organisation Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Pregnancy, DNA methylation, in utero, Neurodevelopmental trajectoriesCopyright © 2023