COVID-19 during pregnancy: Potential risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates?

Jayusman

et al. 2021

IJERPH

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents with severe communication problems, impairment of social interactions, and stereotypic behaviours. Emerging studies indicate possible associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative and neurobehavioural conditions including autism. Viral infection during critical periods of early in utero neurodevelopment may lead to increased risk of autism in the offspring. This review is aimed at highlighting the association between viral infections, including viruses similar to COVID-19, and the aetiology of autism. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, and Google Scholar database. Relevant search terms included “rubella and autism”, “cytomegalovirus and autism”, “influenza virus and autism”, “Zika virus and autism”, “COVID-19 and autism”. Based on the search terms, a total of 141 articles were obtained and studies on infants or children with congenital or perinatal viral infection and autistic behaviour were evaluated. The possible mechanisms by which viral infections could lead to autism include direct teratogenic effects and indirect effects of inflammation or maternal immune activation on the developing brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that the ensuing immune response from these viral infections could lead to disruption of the development of brain regions and structures. Hence, long-term follow up is necessary for infants whose mothers report an inflammatory event due to viral infection at any time during pregnancy to monitor for signs of autism. Research into the role of viral infection in the development of ASD may be one avenue of improving ASD outcomes in the future. Early screening and diagnosis to detect, and maybe even prevent ASD are essential to reduce the burden of this condition.

Section: Specific Viral Infections and Association With Asdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between Viral Infections and Risk of Autistic Disorder: An Overview

Jayusman

et al. 2021

IJERPH

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductiv

“…Cesarean section rate was 96 %. In a retrospective cohort study, Chen et al described 118 cases [3]. Rate of severe form was 8 %.…”

Section: To the Editormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although professional bodies and experts have provided specific guidance [2], based on current limited evidences, data on obstetric, neonatal and reproductive outcomes are still partial [3]. In many countries after national lockdown, a Phase 2 started relaxing restrictions.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A practical approach for the management of obstetric and infertile women during the phase two of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID ‐19) pandemic

Carbone

Conforti

Farina

et al. 2020

“…For example, increased maternal inflammatory cytokine IL-17a is known to induce autism spectrum like disorder in children. Cytokine storm and hyper-inflammation in pregnant women having SARS-CoV infection can elevate risks for neurodevelopmental disorders in the newborns 54 . Malaria induced increased inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-A, IFN-G in maternal circulation is correlated with poor birth outcome.…”

Section: Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes In Covid 19mentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19: Salient Facts and Strategies to Combat Ongoing Pandemic

Sah¹,

Pokhrel²,

Fathah³

et al. 2020

J Pure Appl Microbiol

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus – 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging novel coronavirus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has now rapidly spread to more than 215 countries and has killed nearly 0.75 million people out of more than 20 million confirmed cases as of 10th August, 2020. Apart from affecting respiratory system, the virus has shown multiple manifestations with neurological affections and damaging kidneys. SARS-CoV-2 transmission mainly occurs through close contact of COVID-19 affected person, however air-borne route is also now considered as dominant route of virus spread. The virus has been implicated to have originated from animals. Apart from bats, pangolins and others being investigates to play role in transmitting SARS-CoV-2 as intermediate hosts, the recent reports of this virus infection in other animals (cats, dogs, tigers, lions, mink) suggest one health approach implementation along with adopting appropriate mitigation strategies. Researchers are pacing to develop effective vaccines and drugs, few reached to clinical trials also, however these may take time to reach the mass population, and so till then adopting appropriate prevention and control is the best option to avoid SARS-CoV-2 infection. This article presents an overview on this pandemic virus and the disease it causes, with few recent concepts and advances.