Potential Neurologic Manifestations of COVID-19 Infection in Neonates

Abstract

In contrast to adults, neonates and infants with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have milder symptoms and are less likely to require hospitalization. However, some neonates with COVID-19 can present with significant symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that neurologic manifestations of neonatal COVID-19 infection may be higher than initially thought. In this comprehensive review of the current literature, we summarize the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings, as well as potential management strategies for COVID-19–related neurologic illness in neonates. Although the growing brain may be affected by neurologic disease associated with COVID-19 infection, the few published studies on the long-term outcomes after COVID-19 infection in neonates and infants provide conflicting results. Larger collaborative clinical studies are needed to determine whether COVID-19 infection in neonates has long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.