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Prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection: a scoping review

Medidas de prevención y control para la infección neonatal de COVID-19: revisión del alcance

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19.

Methods:

a scope review carried out by searching for studies in databases and institutional health websites. The final sample was 25 articles.

Results:

among the main measures are the use of masks by suspected or infected people in contact with healthy newborns, hand hygiene before and after each care and feeding as well as the tools used for milking. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in neonatology services to maintain a private room for infected newborns or to use physical barriers. Early diagnosis and timely case management is essential to reduce virus transmissibility.

Conclusions:

the research contributed to elucidate health and nursing actions in preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19.

Descriptors:
Newborn; Communicable Diseases; Disease Prevention; Infection Control; Review

RESUMEN

Objetivo:

identificar con la literatura las medidas para la prevención y el control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19.

Métodos:

revisión del alcance, realizada mediante la búsqueda de estudios en bases de datos y sitios web de salud institucional. La muestra final fue de 25 publicaciones.

Resultados:

entre las principales medidas, destacan el uso de máscaras por personas sospechosas o infectadas en contacto con recién nacidos sanos, la higiene de las manos antes y después de cada cuidado y alimentación, así como las herramientas utilizadas para ordeñar. Es esencial utilizar equipos de protección personal por parte de profesionales de la salud en los servicios de neonatología y mantener una habitación privada para los recién nacidos infectados o el uso de barreras físicas. El diagnóstico temprano y el manejo oportuno de los casos es esencial para reducir la transmisibilidad del virus.

Conclusiones:

la investigación contribuyó a dilucidar las acciones de salud y enfermería en la prevención y control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19.

Descriptores:
Recién Nacido; Enfermedades Transmisibles; Prevención de Enfermedades; Control de Infecciones; Revisión

RESUMO

Objetivo:

identificar junto à literatura as medidas de prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19.

Métodos:

revisão de escopo, realizada mediante busca de estudos em bases de dados e sites institucionais de saúde. A amostra final foi de 25 publicações.

Resultados:

dentre as principais medidas, destacam-se o uso de máscaras por pessoas suspeitas ou infectadas no contato com neonatos saudáveis, a higienização das mãos antes e após cada cuidado e mamada assim como dos utensílios utilizados para ordenha. É indispensável o uso dos equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais de saúde nos serviços de neonatologia e a manutenção de quarto privativo para neonatos infectados ou uso de barreiras físicas. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo oportuno dos casos é fundamental para a redução da transmissibilidade do vírus.

Conclusões:

a pesquisa contribuiu para elucidação das ações de saúde e enfermagem na prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19.

Descritores:
Recém-Nascidos; Doenças Transmissíveis; Prevenção de Doença; Controle de Infecções; Revisão

INTRODUCTION

At the end of 2019, a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus - severe acute respiratory syndrome by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered by a Chinese physician. This infection, designated as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization in February 2020, causes severe respiratory symptoms and fatal victims (11 World Health Organization. WHO Director-General's remarks at the media briefing on 2019-nCoV on 11 February 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 30]. Available from: https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-2019-ncov-on-11-february-2020
https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/w...
). In March 2020 it was declared a pandemic, and it has surprised by its potential to infect humans, becoming an international public health emergency (22 Baig AM, Khaleeq A, Ali U, Syeda H. Evidence of the COVID-19 Virus Targeting the CNS: Tissue Distribution, Host-Virus Interaction, and Proposed Neurotropic Mechanisms. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2020;11(7):995-998. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00122
https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.0c0...
). The first cases of viral infection emerged in Wuhan, capital of Hubei, China. Later, COVID-19 spread to more than 140 countries, including Brazil (11 World Health Organization. WHO Director-General's remarks at the media briefing on 2019-nCoV on 11 February 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 30]. Available from: https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-2019-ncov-on-11-february-2020
https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/w...
,33 Deng C. The global battle against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Int J Biol Sci. 2020;16(10):1676-1677. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.45587
https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.45587...
). In Brazil, on June 08, 2020, there were 707,412 confirmed cases and 37,134 deaths, corresponding to a lethality of 5.2% (44 Ministério da Saúde. Painel de casos de doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) no Brasil pelo Ministério da Saúde - Atualizado em: 18:30 08/06/2020. [cited 2020 Jun 09]. Available from: https://covid.saude.gov.br/
https://covid.saude.gov.br/...
).

Patients with COVID-19 have flu-like symptoms, with persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Since it is a new pathogen, people of all ages have no immunity to the virus and are generally susceptible to infection. Virosis infects from newborn (NBs) to the elderly (33 Deng C. The global battle against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Int J Biol Sci. 2020;16(10):1676-1677. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.45587
https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.45587...
). Elderly individuals and people living with chronic comorbidities are the ones with the most complications and mortality (55 Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Nota técnica VIMS/GGTES/ANVISA nº 04/2020. Orientações para serviços de saúde: medidas de prevenção e controle que devem ser adotadas durante a assistência aos casos suspeitos ou confirmados de infecção pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2). Brasília, 2020. [cited 2020 Abr 16]. Available from: http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/documents/33852/271858/Nota+T%C3%A9cnica+n+04-2020+GVIMS-GGTES-ANVISA/ab598660-3de4-4f14-8e6f-b9341c196b28
http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/documents/33...
).

Regarding NBs, there is still little information about the clinical presentations of COVID-19. Studies indicate that the disease’s manifestations are less severe in children than in adult patients, and that infants younger than one year old have more serious complications than older children (66 Cao Q, Chen YC, Chen CL, Chiu CH. SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Transmission dynamics and clinical characteristics. J Formos Med Assoc. 2020;119(3):670-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.0...

7 Dong Y, Mo X, Hu Y, Qi X, Jiang F, Jiang Z, Tong S. Epidemiology of COVID-19 Among Children in China. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20200702. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0702
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-0702...
-88 Luca D. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4: e8. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30073-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...
). NBs deserve special attention since their immune system is still immature, making them more susceptible to infection, in addition to the possibility of mother-to-child transmission (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
).

Transmission of the virus to NBs can occur either through direct contact through exposure to respiratory droplets from infected persons or indirect contact with surfaces in the immediate environment or with objects used in the infected person (1010 World Health Organization (WHO). Modes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus - Scientific brief. 29 March 2020. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 17]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentari...
-1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
). It appears that there is still a lot to know about transmissibility of COVID-19, treatment and other conditions related to neonates, so investigations are underway worldwide.

Prevention and control of neonatal infection is essential in health services, especially since this is a population with immunological immaturity and considered at risk. Health and nursing care aim to: prevent the occurrence of COVID-19; prepare health services for early detection and management of cases; organize a rapid and effective response; contribute with a coordinated response to control the pandemic; and reduce the environmental effect of these infections or their management (1212 World Health Organization (WHO). Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory infections in health care. WHO Guidelines. 2014 [cited 2020 Mar 17]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/112656
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/1...
).

Hence, it is reiterated the need for knowledge about prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection by nurses and other health professionals during obstetric and neonatal care, in order to promote updated and evidence-based care. With strict prevention and control strategies, it will be possible to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the neonatal population.

OBJECTIVE

To identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19.

METHOD

Ethical aspects

As this is a review study, the reliability and fidelity of the information contained in the selected articles was guaranteed. These aspects were ensured through adequate referencing and rigor in the treatment and presentation of data.

Type of study

This is a scope review, which allows a more comprehensive review of a theme and map the evidence available in a particular area of interest, identifying gaps in the researched knowledge base and bringing together various study designs. This type of review is important to obtain an overview of the existing evidence about any health event, especially when it emerges. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) (1313 Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (Editors). Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual, JBI, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 30]. Available from: https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org/
https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org...
) recommendations were followed for this review report.

Methodological procedure

The six stages planned to develop this type of study have been followed: (1) elaboration of the research question; (2) identification of relevant studies; (3) selection of studies; (4) data mapping; (5) collection, synthesis and description of the findings; and (6) dissemination of the results (1313 Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (Editors). Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual, JBI, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 30]. Available from: https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org/
https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org...
).

From the research question “What is the available evidence on the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19?”, the followard elements were defined according to the mnemonic P - Population, C - Concept and C - Context (1313 Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (Editors). Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual, JBI, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 30]. Available from: https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org/
https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org...
) (P (NBs); C (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) and C (prevention and control)).

Data source

The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed), Current Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS and Web of Science have been selected for search. Then, to ensure a thorough search, the controlled [Descriptors in Health Science (DeCS), Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and CINAHLHeadings] and non-controlled descriptors were identified (keywords).

Data collection and organization

The controlled and uncontrolled descriptors were synthesized according to PCC strategy and their combinations were used to build the strategies as shown in Chart 1. The database search was carried out from March 30 to 31, 2020.

Chart 1
Search engine and quantity of articles retrieved from different databases, Brazil, 2020

As an inclusion criterion, we opted for articles that included NBs as a concept and COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 as context of prevention and control. The sources of information included primary research, reviews, expert opinions (communication, perspectives, editorials, consensus) and technical briefing/notes, in English, Spanish or Portuguese, without time limits. Articles that did not answer the research question and duplicates were excluded.

Figure 1 shows the flow diagram of the article selection. We have also consulted the websites of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the World Health Organization, of the Ministry of Health, of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Nurses (Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras) and of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria), with inclusion of six briefing/technical notes on the theme, considering them as articles in other sources.

Figure 1
Flow diagram of the article selection, Brazil, 2020

In the fourth stage, the articles were mapped using data collection indicators designated by title, type of study, country of origin and prevention and control measures.

Data analysis

The results were submitted to content descriptive analysis, using analytical tables that synthesized the key information of the studies, interpreting and withstopping the productions, to describe the available evidence that answered the guiding question.

RESULTS

Twenty-five articles were included, 19 of which were identified in the databases and six on the websites of official government agencies, professional societies and health control institutions, all published in 2020. Most articles are about expert opinions (n=10; 41.6%), whether through consensus, communications, editorials and others; and are from China (n=15; 62.5%).

Article data are described in Chart 2, in which some characteristics are identified such as title, type of study and country of origin.

Chart 2
Presentation of the research results, Brazil, 2020

Chart 3 shows the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection in mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during delivery, breastfeeding and postpartum neonatal care.

Chart 3
Infection prevention and control measures neonatal mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during delivery, breastfeeding and postpartum neonatal care, Brazil, 2020

In Chart 4, in turn, measures for the prevention and control of neonatal infection during NB care are presented.

Chart 4
Measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19 during care for NBs, according to care by the health staff and the hospitalization sector, Brazil, 2020

DISCUSSION

From the results, it was possible to verify that the publications on the measures of prevention and control of neonatal infection by COVID-19 are still incipient. There are few original studies developed so far, and the majority are from China, the first country to identify the disease. Obviously, this is because the disease is recent. Thus, in order to guide health professionals regarding such measures, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria, abbreviated SBP), the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Nurses (Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras, abbreviated SOBEP), and the Brazilian Association of Midwives and Midwifery Nurses (Associação Brasileira de Obstetrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras, abbreviated ABENFO) also published guiding materials, such as those selected in this review.

Initially, the NBs of mothers with a history of virus infection between 14 days before delivery and 28 days after delivery or the NBs directly exposed to those infected (including family members, caregivers, staff and visitors), regardless of whether they have symptoms (77 Dong Y, Mo X, Hu Y, Qi X, Jiang F, Jiang Z, Tong S. Epidemiology of COVID-19 Among Children in China. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20200702. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0702
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-0702...
,99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
,1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,2727 Xia W, Shao J, Guo Y, Peng X, Li Z, Hu D. Clinical and CT features in pediatric patients with COVID‐19infection: Different points from adults. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2020;1-6. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24718
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.24718...
,3535 Wang J, Qi H, Bao L, Li F, Shi Y. A contingency plan for the management of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in neonatal intensive care units. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020; 4(4):P258-259. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30426-2
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30...
).

Therefore, the sectors of obstetrics and neonatology should jointly assess maternal and fetal conditions and choose the best time, route of delivery and place for delivery of pregnant women with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
). According to researchers, if pregnant women can be successfully treated, pregnancies should be allowed to continue until term. The mode of delivery should be based on the usual obstetric indications as there is no clear benefit of cesarean section in women with COVID-19 (1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
).

Some researchers show uncertainties regarding the vertical transmission of the virus (1414 Ludvigsson JF. Systematic review of COVID‐19 in children shows milder cases and a better prognosis than adults. Acta Paediatr. 2020;00:1-8. doi:10.1111/apa.15270
https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.15270...

15 Wang S, Guo L, Chen L, Liu W, Cao Y, Zhang J, Feng L. A Case Report of Neonatal 2019 Coronavirus Disease in China. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;XX(XX):1-5. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa225
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa225...
-1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
,2020 Schwartz DA, Graham AL. Potential Maternal and Infant Outcomes from (Wuhan) Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Infecting Pregnant Women: Lessons from SARS, MERS, and Other Human Coronavirus Infections. Viruses. 2020;12(2). pii: E194. doi: 10.3390/v12020194
https://doi.org/10.3390/v12020194...
,2222 Chen ZM, Fu JF, Shu Q. New coronavirus: new challenges for pediatricians. World J Pediatr. 2020. doi: 10.1007/s12519-020-00346-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-020-00346...
), which refers to the passage of a pathogen from the mother to the baby before and after birth. Specifically, it includes transmission via germ cells or placental blood during pregnancy, via the birth canal during delivery and during postpartum breastfeeding (1919 Zhu H, Wang L, Fang C, Peng S, Zhang L, Chang G, Xia S, Zhou W. Clinical analysis of 10 neonates born to mothers with 2019-nCoV pneumonia. Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(1):51-60. doi: 10.21037/tp.2020.02.06
https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2020.02.06...
). However, other studies have not identified this type of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected mothers to their children (1717 Schwartz DA. An Analysis of 38 Pregnant Women with COVID-19, Their Newborn Infants, and Maternal-Fetal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Maternal Coronavirus Infections and Pregnancy Outcomes. Arch Pathol Lab Med In-Press. 2020. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0901-SA
https://doi.org/10.5858/arpa.2020-0901-S...
,1919 Zhu H, Wang L, Fang C, Peng S, Zhang L, Chang G, Xia S, Zhou W. Clinical analysis of 10 neonates born to mothers with 2019-nCoV pneumonia. Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(1):51-60. doi: 10.21037/tp.2020.02.06
https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2020.02.06...
,2323 Zeng H, Xu C, Fan J, Tang Y, Deng Q, Zhang W, Long X. Antibodies in Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19 Pneumonia. JAMA. 2020;26. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.4861
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.4861...
-2424 Zeng L, Xia S, Yuan W, Yan K, Xiao F, Shao J, Zhou W. Neonatal Early-Onset Infection With SARS-CoV-2 in 33 Neonates Born to Mothers With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;26. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0878
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2...
,2626 Khan S, Peng L, Siddique R, Nabi G, Xue M, Liu J, Han G. Impact of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy outcomes and the risk of maternal-to-neonatal intrapartum transmission of COVID-19 during natural birth. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2020:1-9. doi: 10.1017/ice.2020.84
https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.84...
).

For CDC, the findings so far suggest that there is no evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mothers infected to NBs (1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
). Therefore, it is believed that transmission of the virus to NBs occurs mainly through respiratory droplets, close contact with infected people (caregivers, family members and visitors), infections acquired in hospitals and exposure to sources of infection in public places (66 Cao Q, Chen YC, Chen CL, Chiu CH. SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Transmission dynamics and clinical characteristics. J Formos Med Assoc. 2020;119(3):670-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.0...
,1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,1919 Zhu H, Wang L, Fang C, Peng S, Zhang L, Chang G, Xia S, Zhou W. Clinical analysis of 10 neonates born to mothers with 2019-nCoV pneumonia. Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(1):51-60. doi: 10.21037/tp.2020.02.06
https://doi.org/10.21037/tp.2020.02.06...
-2020 Schwartz DA, Graham AL. Potential Maternal and Infant Outcomes from (Wuhan) Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Infecting Pregnant Women: Lessons from SARS, MERS, and Other Human Coronavirus Infections. Viruses. 2020;12(2). pii: E194. doi: 10.3390/v12020194
https://doi.org/10.3390/v12020194...
). P12 points out that the new coronavirus can also be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects (66 Cao Q, Chen YC, Chen CL, Chiu CH. SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Transmission dynamics and clinical characteristics. J Formos Med Assoc. 2020;119(3):670-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.0...
). Soon, SARS-CoV2 can be transmitted by droplet, aerosol, and contact (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.).

Furthermore, a negative pressure room for labor is recommended, whenever possible, prepared together with an isolation protection device, to minimize the damage to mothers and NBs (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
,2020 Schwartz DA, Graham AL. Potential Maternal and Infant Outcomes from (Wuhan) Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Infecting Pregnant Women: Lessons from SARS, MERS, and Other Human Coronavirus Infections. Viruses. 2020;12(2). pii: E194. doi: 10.3390/v12020194
https://doi.org/10.3390/v12020194...
). Pregnant women with suspected infection should wear a surgical mask as a precautionary measure for transmission of the virus during labor (1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
).

In the event of the need for resuscitation of these neonates, professionals should rely on the standard Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), paying attention to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as cap, safety glasses or face shield, long-sleeve disposable cloak, gloves, N95 masks, among others (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,2525 Lu Q, Shi Y. Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and neonate: What neonatologist need to know. J Med Virol. 2020:1-4. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25740
https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25740...
,3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.). These standard precautionary measures for aerosols should be practiced in all procedures that can produce aerosols, such as endotracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, manual ventilation before intubation, bronchoscopy, among others (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
,1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,2929 Wang J, Shi Y. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2 - Authors' reply. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4(4):e9. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30072-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...

30 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
-3131 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For Child Care Programs That Remain Open. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
).

Some researchers, considering the possibility of vertical transmission, advise against the late cord clamping (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
), in these cases should be performed with immediate clamping, considered as the one performed within one minute after birth (3636 Ministério da Saúde. Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no SUS (CONITEC). Diretriz Nacional de Assistência ao Parto Normal: Relatório de recomendação. CONITEC, Brasília, DF: 2016 [cited 2020 Abr 27]. Available from: http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/2016/Relatorio_Diretriz-PartoNormal_CP.pdf
http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/2...
). However, MoH (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
) and SBP (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.) advise timely umbilical cord clamping even in these cases, probably because it considers that the diverse benefits of this practice outweigh the possible risks, still unknown.

Neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be cleaned and dried immediately after delivery (1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
), isolated and tested early for the disease (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
), and skin-to-skin contact is advised against (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
,2525 Lu Q, Shi Y. Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and neonate: What neonatologist need to know. J Med Virol. 2020:1-4. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25740
https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25740...
,3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
,3434 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (SBP). Nota de alerta- Prevenção e abordagem da infecção por COVID-19 em mães e recém-nascidos, em hospitais-maternidades. Rio de Janeiro: 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_upload/22412b-Nota_Alerta_PrevenAbordagem_infeccao_COVID19_maes-RN_em_HospMatern.pdf
https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_up...
) for better control of COVID-19. Routinely, in Brazil, skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby is one of the precautions recommended by MoH (3636 Ministério da Saúde. Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no SUS (CONITEC). Diretriz Nacional de Assistência ao Parto Normal: Relatório de recomendação. CONITEC, Brasília, DF: 2016 [cited 2020 Abr 27]. Available from: http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/2016/Relatorio_Diretriz-PartoNormal_CP.pdf
http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/2...
) and by SBP (3737 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (SBP). Nascimento seguro. Documento científico. Departamento científico de neonatologia. 2018[cited 2020 Abr 27]; 3:1-9. Available from: https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_upload/Neonatologia_-_20880b-DC_-_Nascimento_seguro__003_.pdf
https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_up...
) for NBs in the first minutes of life due to its diverse benefits. However, these agencies reaffirm that this practice should be suspended in cases of neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
,3434 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (SBP). Nota de alerta- Prevenção e abordagem da infecção por COVID-19 em mães e recém-nascidos, em hospitais-maternidades. Rio de Janeiro: 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_upload/22412b-Nota_Alerta_PrevenAbordagem_infeccao_COVID19_maes-RN_em_HospMatern.pdf
https://www.sbp.com.br/fileadmin/user_up...
).

Although many researchers (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
,1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
) do not recommend breastfeeding in situations of risk or confirmation of the disease, CDC (1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
), MoH (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
), SOBEP and ABENFO (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.) consider that, until then, there is insufficient evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to NBs from infected mothers and that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for NBs. Therefore, they recommend that breastfeeding be maintained, as long as mothers and NBs are in good clinical condition and that all preventive measures are followed during the act. When breastfeeding, mothers should put on a surgical mask and clean their hands and breastfeeding tools before and after each feeding (1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.). Another option is for mothers to offer expressed breast milk to NBs to establish and maintain milk supply, adopting the followard recommendations: hand wash before touching the breast milk pump or container for its storage, properly cleaning the pump and utensils used after each use and if possible someone else should offer the pumped milk to the baby (1111 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnancy & Breastfeeding. 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#anchor_1584169983
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
).

It should be noted that, after birth, screening of suspected puerperal women is crucial for determining the decision to separate her or not from her baby. This should be done on a case-by-case basis, through shared decision-making between the family and the health staff (3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
). Isolation of neonates born to infected or suspected mothers should last at least 14 days, unless infection with SARS-CoV-2 is ruled out (1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
,2929 Wang J, Shi Y. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2 - Authors' reply. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4(4):e9. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30072-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...
). If separation is not carried out, other measures to reduce the risk of mother-to-baby transmission can be implemented, including the use of physical barriers between mother and baby (3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
), maintaining a minimum distance of one meter between the maternal bed and the crib of NBs (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
), implementation of strict infection control measures, with the use of a surgical mask for contact with NBs and adequate hand hygiene before and after contact (2424 Zeng L, Xia S, Yuan W, Yan K, Xiao F, Shao J, Zhou W. Neonatal Early-Onset Infection With SARS-CoV-2 in 33 Neonates Born to Mothers With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;26. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0878
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2...
,3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
).

In the case of maternal isolation, there may be anxiety from parents and maternal depression and, therefore, the family should receive emotional support from an interprofessional staff. All situations must be reported and fully understood by parents/guardians (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
,1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
). Furthermore, the presence of a companion for the mother is suggested, as long as asymptomatic and that is not home contact of people with flu syndrome or respiratory infection confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
).

It is proposed to screen puerperal women and their NBs, including swab pharyngeal, peripheral blood, placental tissue after delivery, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and breast milk, for in-depth studies and continuous monitoring in future generations (1515 Wang S, Guo L, Chen L, Liu W, Cao Y, Zhang J, Feng L. A Case Report of Neonatal 2019 Coronavirus Disease in China. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;XX(XX):1-5. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa225
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa225...
). Additional sample types (e.g., feces, urine) can be collected and stored (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
) .

If, after the birth of NBs, the test of the suspected mother is negative, they can be treated routinely by the joint accommodation’s health staff. However, if the test is positive, the case should be treated according to the management of the diagnosed NBs. If babies have clinical symptoms of suspected virus, they should be admitted to the neonatal unit for diagnosis of COVID 19 and additional treatment (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
). It should be noted that, according to P11, neonatal respiratory failure can result from a wide variety of causes, which is why NBs admitted to the health unit should only be tested when there is reasonable suspicion (88 Luca D. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4: e8. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30073-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...
).

Since clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates are mostly nonspecific, such as fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting and respiratory effort (66 Cao Q, Chen YC, Chen CL, Chiu CH. SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Transmission dynamics and clinical characteristics. J Formos Med Assoc. 2020;119(3):670-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfma.2020.02.0...
,1414 Ludvigsson JF. Systematic review of COVID‐19 in children shows milder cases and a better prognosis than adults. Acta Paediatr. 2020;00:1-8. doi:10.1111/apa.15270
https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.15270...
,2727 Xia W, Shao J, Guo Y, Peng X, Li Z, Hu D. Clinical and CT features in pediatric patients with COVID‐19infection: Different points from adults. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2020;1-6. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24718
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.24718...
) and, relatively mild (77 Dong Y, Mo X, Hu Y, Qi X, Jiang F, Jiang Z, Tong S. Epidemiology of COVID-19 Among Children in China. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20200702. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0702
https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-0702...
,2424 Zeng L, Xia S, Yuan W, Yan K, Xiao F, Shao J, Zhou W. Neonatal Early-Onset Infection With SARS-CoV-2 in 33 Neonates Born to Mothers With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;26. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0878
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2...
,2727 Xia W, Shao J, Guo Y, Peng X, Li Z, Hu D. Clinical and CT features in pediatric patients with COVID‐19infection: Different points from adults. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2020;1-6. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24718
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.24718...
), it is essential that health professionals monitor the NBs of mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, both clinically and laboratorially for better infection control. Thus, it is necessary to closely monitor vital signs, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,1818 Chen D, Yang H, Cao Y, Cheng W, Duan T, Fan C, Fan S, Feng L, Gao Y, He F. et al. Expert consensus for managing pregnant women and neonates born to mothers with suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020;149:130-136. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13146
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13146...
). However, the disease can be asymptomatic.

The relevance of nursing’s performance stands out, not only because of their technical capacity, but also because they constitute the largest number of professionals in the health field, and are the only professional category that is with patients 24 hours a day (3838 Conselho Federal de Enfermagem. Cofen publica nota de esclarecimento sobre o Coronavírus (COVID-19). 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 27]. Available from: http://www.cofen.gov.br/cofen-publica-nota-de-esclarecimento-sobre-o-coronavirus-covid-19_77835.html
http://www.cofen.gov.br/cofen-publica-no...
). This happens especially in neonatology, in which patients are totally dependent on nursing staff care.

Some researchers disagree on the need for hospitalization of the infected neonate at the NICU. While some argue that all NBs suspected or laboratory confirmed with the new coronavirus should be admitted to the NICU (2929 Wang J, Shi Y. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2 - Authors' reply. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4(4):e9. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30072-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...
), others claim that they should be isolated and clinically monitored, but that they do not necessarily require admission to the NICU (88 Luca D. Managing neonates with respiratory failure due ta SARS-CoV-2. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020;4: e8. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30073-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30...
). In case of admission, it is recommended, if possible, to separate an area for NB admission to mothers with suspected or confirmed cases (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.). It is proposed to suspend the discussion at the bedside by the health staff that provides assistance, as well as any and all collective activities carried out in the sector. Symptomatic patients or home contacts of people with the flu syndrome should not enter the ICU/coNICU until the SARS-CoV-2 transmission period has ended (14 days) (3232 Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Departamento de Ações Programáticas Estratégicas. NOTA TÉCNICA Nº 6/2020-COCAM/CGCIVI/DAPES/SAPS/MS. Atenção à saúde do recém-nascido no contexto da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde, 2020 [cited 2020 Mar 26]. Available from: http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/2020/03/30/22_34_25_489_SEI_MS_0014134779_Nota_T%C3%A9cnica_Atencao_ao_RN_durante_COVID.pdf
http://www.mpgo.mp.br/portal/arquivos/20...
).

If a cohort of patients is instituted at the ICU, it is strongly recommended to establish a specific staff for COVID-19 treatment, composed of neonatologist/pediatrician, neonatologist/pediatric nurse, nursing technicians, physiotherapist, hygiene collaborator and laboratory collaborator. This strategy prevents spread of microorganisms among patients hospitalized. It is also important to respect the minimum distance of one meter between incubators, common cots and/or heated cots (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.).

Even if NBs are not admitted to the NICU, is expected to be kept in private beds. Diagnostic and treatment equipment, such as a stethoscope and thermometer, for instance, must be individual. To enter and leave the isolation ward, there should be appropriate protocol for hand hygiene and use of PPE (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,2121 Ma XL, Chen Z, Zhu JJ, Shen XX, Wu MY, Shi LP, Du LZ, Fu JF, Shu Q. Management strategies of neonatal jaundice during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. World J Pediatr. 2020. doi: 10.1007/s12519-020-00347-3.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-020-00347...
,3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.). Preferably, the isolation ward must be equipped with an isolated air cycle system, with negative pressure (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
).

The strategies to be implemented during the care of NBs suspected or infected by the new coronavirus include use of PPE (cap, safety glasses or face shield, disposable long-sleeved cloak with elastic or mesh cuffs, with weight minimum of 30 g/m2, and with mooring on the back, gloves and surgical masks); signage at the entrance; strict hand hygiene; daily cleaning and disinfection of the environment; provision of PPE for the entire health staff; improved additional contact precautions and precautions against respiratory droplets that include patient equipment; restricted visits by parents/family; change of cloak and glove after the procedures and open of the window regularly to change the air; and hand wash before and after changing diapers, using a glove (if possible) and disposing it in appropriate place (99 Li F, Feng ZC, Shi Y. Proposal for prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2020;0(0):F1. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318996
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-202...
,1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
-3131 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For Child Care Programs That Remain Open. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.,3535 Wang J, Qi H, Bao L, Li F, Shi Y. A contingency plan for the management of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in neonatal intensive care units. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020; 4(4):P258-259. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30426-2
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30...
).

The room of these neonates cannot be used by other patients until they are properly disinfected. If this patient shares a room with other NBs before being diagnosed, all ward members should be isolated. The terminal disinfection of the patient’s room should preferably be done using atomization with hydrogen peroxide or a preparation spray containing chlorine (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,3030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interim considerations for infection prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in inpatient obstetric healthcare settings. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/inpatient-obstetric-healthcare-guidance.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
,3535 Wang J, Qi H, Bao L, Li F, Shi Y. A contingency plan for the management of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in neonatal intensive care units. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020; 4(4):P258-259. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30426-2
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30...
). Hospital waste produced during care for infected NBs should be collected in a double-layer infectious waste bag and treated with a chlorine-containing preparation for at least 10 minutes and then disposed of in the same way as infectious hospital waste (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
,3535 Wang J, Qi H, Bao L, Li F, Shi Y. A contingency plan for the management of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in neonatal intensive care units. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2020; 4(4):P258-259. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30426-2
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(19)30...
).

Considering the need to transport NBs, the spaces in the ambulance must be strictly closed and isolated, and the car must be provided with PPE, disinfectant solution and alcohol gel for the hands. The ambulance must be disinfected before and after transferring patients. In addition, accompanying health staff members must wear PPE (1616 Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, Feng Q, Hei M, Hu X, Li Z. et al. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2020.02.20...
).

To prevent spread of COVID-19 among neonates, some other actions must be performed by professionals, such as covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and cleaning and disinfecting objects and toys routinely (3131 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For Child Care Programs That Remain Open. 2020 [cited 2020 Abr 02]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...
). Objects for personal use by these patients should not be shared with others in the hospitalization area, including toys (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.).

When a NB is admitted to health units, if their parents or legal guardians present a suspected or confirmed condition for COVID-19 or have home contact with a person with the flu syndrome, they must maintain isolation at home for 14 days, being prevented from attending the unit during that period. If the aforementioned occurs, neonates must be followed at the health unit by other asymptomatic parents and other than home contact of a person with flu syndrome or respiratory infection confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 (3333 Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermeiros Pediatras e Associação Brasileira de Obstretrizes e Enfermeiros Obstetras. Nota técnica referente aos cuidados da equipe de enfermagem obstétrica, neonatal e pediátrica diante de caso suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19. SOBEP/ABENFO: 2020.).

During the pandemic, new care strategies must be adopted to ensure the full growth and development of NBs, considering the measures to prevent and control COVID-19. Nurses, during the assistance to non-hospitalized NBs with suspicion of the disease, must collect their epidemiological history, from families, caregivers and visitors during the 14 days prior to the clinical manifestations and also measure their body temperature routinely (2121 Ma XL, Chen Z, Zhu JJ, Shen XX, Wu MY, Shi LP, Du LZ, Fu JF, Shu Q. Management strategies of neonatal jaundice during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. World J Pediatr. 2020. doi: 10.1007/s12519-020-00347-3.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-020-00347...
-2222 Chen ZM, Fu JF, Shu Q. New coronavirus: new challenges for pediatricians. World J Pediatr. 2020. doi: 10.1007/s12519-020-00346-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-020-00346...
).

It is important to understand the role of NBs in the dynamics of outbreak transmission as they can become a significant diffuser in the outbreak. Thus, it is necessary to raise awareness among the general population, reinforce infection control measures and carry out family health management (2828 Hong H, Wang Y, Chung H, Chen C. Clinical characteristics of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in newborns, infants and children. Pediatr Neonatol. 2020;61:131-132. doi: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2020.03.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedneo.2020.03...
).

Study limitations

In this review, most of the measures disclosed are limited to previous experiences with outbreaks by other coronaviruses in adults and children, since research is still incipient in relation to the subject. We opted to include the gray literature to ensure a greater body of knowledge, considering the opinion of experts and guidelines from MoH and other national and global health institutions.

Contributions to nursing and health

The plural role of nurses and their leadership position in the staff places them as a protagonist in combating disease transmission. Given of the country’s current epidemiological scenario, this review is essential for mapping together with nursing literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19, which can guide the nursing care provided by nurses and subsidize future research. We need to pay attention to the protection and control measures against neonatal COVID-19 infection, listed by nurses and other health professionals during obstetric and neonatal care, which will likely be modified as new evidence appears and clinical experience with the new coronavirus accumulates. Therefore, nurses and other health professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills in preventing and controlling COVID-19 in neonatology to minimize the impacts on Brazilian public health.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to the body of knowledge of nurses and other health professionals regarding the main measures for preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19. It is believed that, through strict compliance with these actions, it is possible to reduce the implications of this pandemic for NBs. The measures found in this review are aimed at assisting NBs from the delivery room to hospitalization, either in units of joint accommodation, coNICU, NICU, as well as in Primary Health Care. Among the main measures found, the use of surgical masks by infected people in contact with healthy NBs stands out, hand hygiene before and after each care and each feeding, and also hygiene of the tools used in milking the breasts, essential care to be developed in partnership with families. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in obstetrics, neonatology and Primary Health Care services. During hospitalization, it is necessary to maintain a private room for infected neonates or to use physical barriers. It is noteworthy that early diagnosis and timely management of cases are essential to reduce transmissibility.

REFERENCES

Edited by

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Dulce Barbosa
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Priscilla Broca

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    13 July 2020
  • Date of issue
    2020

History

  • Received
    01 May 2020
  • Accepted
    24 May 2020
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