Neonatal COVID-19 exposures and infections: a systematic review of modes of transmission, manifestations and management

Abstract

Background Background Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in December 2019, several publications have emerged describing the manifestations of the disease in different age groups. Reports from the newborn group have however been sparse. This review summarizes the mode of transmission, clinical presentations as well as treatment and outcomes of COVID-19 in neonates. Methods Methods A systematic search for literature was conducted in April and in August 2020. The databases searched include PUBMED, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search terms used included COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Corona virus, Newborn, Neonate, exposure, vertical transmission, breastfeeding, droplet infection. We included primary studies that were carried out globally either in hospitals or in the communities such as case reports, case series, cross-sectional studies and other qualitative or quantitative studies and published in English language, between January and August 2020. Results Results Fifty six studies were included in this review. Studies were conducted in China,