Perinatal SARS-COV-2 Infection: A Review of Infant and Maternal Data and Outcomes in Southeast Louisiana

Authors

• Christy Mumphrey, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Peter Joslyn, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Judston Robinson, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Hannah Doran, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
• Jessica Patrick-Esteve, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow

Abstract

Background: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisiana healthcare providers sought guidance for the care of infected pregnant persons and their infants. Prior to the pandemic, pregnant persons and infants in Louisiana experienced increased risk for poor perinatal outcomes. Methods: This secondary data research study was conducted using prospective study data collected from March 2020 through March 2022 at 4 southeast Louisiana hospitals. Pregnant persons who tested positive for COVID-19 from 14 days before to 10 days after delivery, and their infants were eligible for inclusion. Demographic, clinical, and hospital course data were collected. Results: We identified 247 eligible pregnant persons. Of their 251 infants, 226 were tested for COVID-19. Seventeen infants tested positive, only one of which was symptomatic due to COVID-19. The preterm birth rate (23.5%) among COVID-19 positive pregnant persons was significantly elevated. Among COVID-19 positive pregnant persons, delivery by cesarean section was associated with symptomatic infection. Discussion: Consistent with disparities in COVID-19 burden observed among Louisiana’s general population, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic pregnant persons represented a larger proportion of cases. Routine COVID-19 screening for all pregnant persons may have been beneficial, considering 72.5% of positive individuals were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Consistent with prior studies, this study finds that pregnant persons with COVID19 are at increased risk for preterm and cesarean delivery. While most infants were not infected despite being born to an infected individual, risk of transmission of COVID-19 to infants is likely enhanced by close contact with infected caregivers. Based on limited data, COVID-19 positive infants did well; however, further studies are needed to understand the effects of COVID-19.

DOI

10.59020/89503

Recommended Citation

Mumphrey, Christy; Joslyn, Peter; Robinson, Judston; Doran, Hannah; and Patrick-Esteve, Jessica (2023) "Perinatal SARS-COV-2 Infection: A Review of Infant and Maternal Data and Outcomes in Southeast Louisiana," Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association: Vol. 3: No. 3, Article 9.
DOI: 10.59020/89503
Available at: https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/jlpha/vol3/iss3/9