SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Possibility of Transmission to Newborns: A Systematic Review

June 23, 2020

Cabero-Pérez, M. J., Gómez-Acebo, I., Dierssen-Sotos, T., & Llorca.

SEMERGEN

A total of 33 articles published on COVID-19, pregnancy and the affectation of the neonate were reviewed until April 30, 2020 in which 553 pregnant women and 456 deliveries were referred, of which only 13 cases of COVID- were reported. 19 neonatals (3.4%). In some studies, the presence of COVID-19 in the neonate was identified by the determination of antibodies using anti-SARS-CoV-2, however, IgG being small in size can passively cross the placental barrier, so its presence in the neonate it is not sufficient to indicate infection. Although some studies show that a SARS-CoV-2 infection has occurred in the neonate, the results are not sufficient to ensure that vertical transmission through the placenta has occurred. Likewise, pathological placenta was found in 2 women suffering from SARS in the third trimester of pregnancy, so it cannot be excluded that placental alterations also occur in COVID-19 that increase its permeability and facilitate IgM to pass to the fetus in the last phase of pregnancy. It is concluded that despite having found the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in newborns, the possibility of transplacental transmission has not been proven.

Cabero-Pérez, M. J., Gómez-Acebo, I., Dierssen-Sotos, T., & Llorca, SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Possibility of Transmission to Newborns: A Systematic Review. SEMERGEN 2020, 46: 1, 40–47.

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