Biblioteca Virtual en Salud

Objective:

To study the clinical characteristics of neonatal community-acquired Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Omicron variant infection.

Methods:

From March 30 to May 15, 2022, the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations and outcomes of neonatal cases of community-acquired COVID-19 Omicron variant infection admitted to the isolation ward of our hospital were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 7 neonates infected with community-acquired COVID-19 Omicron variant were treated, including 3 males and 4 females. All of them were term infants with clear epidemiological exposure history. The infection was originated from caregivers of close contact (parents or babysitters). The main clinical symptoms was upper respiratory tract infection, including fever (6 cases), nasal congestion (6 cases), cough (5 cases), runny nose (2 cases), poor appetite (2 cases) and diarrhea (1 case). On admission, no abnormalities were found in blood routine examination and C-reactive protein (CRP). All but one case had normal serum amyloid A (SAA). No obvious abnormalities were found on chest X-ray. All patients were isolated in single-patient rooms after admission. They received standard symptomatic treatment and regular nucleic acid tests. The first negative nucleic acid results came on median 17 d(8~26 d) after the onset of the disease. The patients were discharged after two consecutive (24 h apart) nucleic acid tests with CT value ≥35 and continued health-monitor at home. On discharge, 5 patients had nasal congestion and 2 of them had cough. During the follow-up 4~6 weeks after discharge, all patients gradually recovered without positive nucleic acid results.

Conclusions:

All 7 neonates with community-acquired COVID-19 Omicron variant infection have epidemiological exposure history. The main clinical symptoms are long-lasting upper respiratory tract infections. It takes a relatively long time for the nucleic acid to turn negative, however, the overall short-term prognosis is good.