Inflammatory biomarkers as prognostic predictors in newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in utero

Abstract

Introduction: In the disease caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it has been possible to verify that the virus reaches the placenta and can cause histopathological alterations in it, so that the affectation of the fetus is possible. The paraclinical alterations reported in neonates who presented multiorgan affectation at birth from SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers are mainly elevated interleukin 6, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, elevated tumor necrosis factor, and C-reactive protein. The objective of this research was to determine the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in neonates admitted to the NICU whose mothers had COVID-19 during gestation. Methods: descriptive and prospective observational study. Population and sample made up of neonates whose mother had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and who had admission criteria to the NICU from October 2020 to June 2021. Results: Sample of 13 patients, 7 required the use of steroids and 2 need VMI. 30.77% of the patients presented leukopenia, platelets in 92.3% normal; altered procalcitonin in 15.4% of patients; LDH elevated in 46.15% of patients; Elevated ferritin in 23.07% of patients; Elevated D-dimer in 30.7% of patients. Conclusion: The most altered biomarkers are LDH, lactate and D-Dimer. Inflammatory biomarkers do not have a dependent association with the indicators of severe disease; therefore, they are not indicators of poor prognosis.