Peripartum SARS-CoV-2 infection-The maternal characteristics and neonatal PCR status: A single centre review

Introduction: Malaysia is now battling its third wave of COVID-19 infection and globally the infections is not relenting. Vertical transmission has been proven in studies. Seropositivity of the newborns are suggestive of possible vertical transmission. We aim to study the risk of neonatal exposure in relation to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objectives: To evaluate possible evidence of fetal vertical transmission with maternal sero-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated maternal characteristics. Methods: All patients with confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. Retrospective review of all pregnant women with active peripartum SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered in Hospital Ampang over 6 months duration between January to June 2021. Results: Out of 43 confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered in our hospital, only sixteen were having active SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of delivery. All delivered at term, except 2 late preterm delivery (34 weeks and 36 weeks). Twelve delivered via Caesar-ean Section (75%). The majority of maternal Covid presentations were Category 1 (8), whilst 3 were Category 2, two each in Category 3 and Category 4 and one in Category 5. All babies born to these mothers have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 based on PCR test taken within 24 hrs of birth. Conclusions: None of the newborns of active peripartum SARS-CoV-2 infection mothers was tested positive for the same infection. However, we were limited by the small sample size. With time and bigger study subjects, it may be possible to detect positive vertical transmission among the newborns.