SPECIAL REPORT | VOLUME 17/ISSUE 2, MARCH 2021

Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection: is this a vertical transmission?

Neonatal COVID-19, its manifestations and transmission, remains unclear. As the pandemic continues more evidence will emerge but so far, vertical transmission of COVID-19 is rare with just a few reports in the literature.¹ We share our experience of managing a preterm newborn with COVID-19 in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where the vertical route seems the most likely mode of transmission.

Femi Adeniyi
ST6 Paediatrics
femi.adeniyi@nhs.net

Sanjeev Rath
Neonatal Consultant
s.rath@nhs.net

Yewande Wey
MTI Fellow
yewande.wey@nhs.net

Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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Keywords

umbilical central line; umbilical arterial catheter; umbilical venous catheter; ultrasound-guided insertion of a central line; functional echocardiography

Key points

Direct visualisation of the umbilical catheter by ultrasound is one of the best modalities for adjusting a UVC and UAC.
This method can save time needed to help transition a critically ill neonate.
Ultrasound-guided insertion of a UVC or UAC requires fewer X-rays (hence radiation) and less manipulation and handling of the neonate, helping to maintain temperature and reduce the risk of infection.