1
|
He YF, Liu JQ, Hu XD, Li HM, Wu N, Wang J, Jiang ZG. Breastfeeding vs. breast milk transmission during COVID-19 pandemic, which is more important? Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1253333. [PMID: 37744448 PMCID: PMC10511770 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1253333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The catastrophic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised many health questions, and whether breast milk from SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers may be a vector for SARS-CoV-2 transmission has become a hot topic of concern worldwide. Currently, there are extremely limited and conflicting data on the risk of infection in infants through breastfeeding. For this reason, we investigated almost all current clinical studies and systematically analyzed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and antibodies in the breast milk of mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2, their effects on newborns, and the mechanisms involved. A total of 82 studies were included in this review, of which 66 examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk samples from mothers diagnosed with COVID-19, 29 reported results of antibody detection of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk, and 13 reported both nucleic acid and antibody test results. Seventeen studies indicated the presence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in breast milk samples, and only two studies monitored viral activity, both of which reported that infectious viruses could not be cultured from RNA-positive breast milk samples. All 29 studies indicated the presence of at least one of the three antibodies, IgA, IgG and IgM, in breast milk. Five studies indicated the presence of at least one antibody in the serum of breastfed newborns. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported in all 1,346 newborns. Our study suggests that direct breastfeeding does not pose an additional risk of infection to newborns and that breast milk is a beneficial source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that provide passive immune protection to infants. In addition, direct breastfeeding would provide maternal benefits. Our review supports the recommendation to encourage direct breastfeeding under appropriate infection control guidelines. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier: 458043.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-fei He
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-qiang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-dong Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hu-ming Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ni Wu
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-gang Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Morniroli D, Vizzari G, Tosi M, Treglia G, Corsello A, Marchisio P, Mosca F, Agostoni C, Giannì ML, Milani GP, Pugni L. Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8813. [PMID: 37258854 PMCID: PMC10230471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a study to summarize evidence on the risk of mother-to-child transmission in the first 30 days after birth in high-income countries and to evaluate the association between preventive measures and the risk of infection for the neonate. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. The National Library of Medicine, Web of Science, and Excerpta Medica databases were screened on February 26, 2022. All prospective observational studies addressing the frequency of infection in infants born to mothers SARS-CoV-2 positive were included. Twenty-six studies were included, reporting data of 2653 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 and 2677 neonates. The proportion meta-analysis pointed out an overall estimate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among infants of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.2%). Data from studies with (1.4%, 95% CI: 0.8-2) and without (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.0-2.7%) rooming-in provided similar risk of infection. Adopting at least two prevention measures during rooming-in resulted in a rate of mother-to-child infection of 1.0% (95%CI: 0.3-1.7%). The results of this study show a low rate of perinatal infection, support the rooming-in and confirm the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of mother-to-child viral transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Morniroli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Vizzari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C. Pediatria-Pneumoinfettivologia, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Unit, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Lorella Giannì
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gregorio Paolo Milani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pediatric Unit, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pugni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gupta A, Kamity R, Sharma R, Caprio M, Mally P, Verma S. Mother to Newborn Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Evolution of Evidence in 1.5 Years of COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1764-1778. [PMID: 35738288 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant mortality and morbidity in people of all age groups worldwide. Given the uncertainty regarding the mode of transmission and potential effects of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their newborns, guidelines for taking care of maternal-newborn dyads have evolved tremendously since the pandemic began. There has been an enormous influx of published materials regarding the outcomes of mothers and newborns. Still, multiple knowledge gaps regarding comprehensive information about risk to the mothers and newborns exist, which need to be addressed. Current evidence suggests that mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy, with a higher need for respiratory support and premature deliveries. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 are at increased risk of needing intensive care; however, most newborns do well after birth. As new mutant variants arise, we need to be cautious while proactively understanding any new evolving patterns. All leading health authorities strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination before or during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal morbidities and benefit from passing antibodies to newborns prenatally and via breastmilk. Additionally, there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes and vaccination coverage for pregnant women. This article summarizes the rapidly evolving evidence for the last 1.5 years and aims to help health care professionals care for mothers with COVID-19 and their newborns. KEY POINTS: · COVID-19 in pregnancy can cause perinatal morbidities.. · Breastfeeding and breast milk are safe for newborns.. · COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk for morbidities..
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Gupta
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYC Health, Hospitals/Metropolitan, New York City, New York
| | - Ranjith Kamity
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Family Healthcare Network, Visalia, California
| | - Martha Caprio
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Pradeep Mally
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Sourabh Verma
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Literature Review of Mothers Diagnosed With COVID-19 and the Impact on Breastfeeding Their Newborns. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:234-241. [PMID: 35551888 PMCID: PMC9611848 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, newborns were separated from their mothers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the current evidence to determine if the transmission of COVID-19 infection to the neonate increases if newborns are directly breastfed by mothers who are positive for COVID-19 infection. There were 28 studies conducted in seven countries, with 10 of those studies conducted in the United States. In total, 5,123 neonates were born to mothers diagnosed with COVID-19, with 3,872 neonates determined to have been breastfed or provided mixed feeding including breast milk. Overall, 2.35% (91/3,872) of the newborns tested positive, and all recovered from COVID-19 infection. As frontline health care providers, nurses are instrumental in offering support and education on the risks and benefits of breastfeeding for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW One important question from the outset of the pandemic has been whether a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected person's milk might be a vehicle for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This review summarizes the most recent data on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS A SARS-CoV-2 sIgA response in milk after infection is very common. To date, there has been no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 transmits via human milk. Though viral RNA has been identified in a minority of milk samples studied, infectious virus particles have not. SUMMARY The highly dominant transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 is via inhalation of respiratory droplets containing virus particles. Other routes of transmission are possible, including fecal-oral, trans-placental, and to a much lesser extent, via a contaminated surface. SARS-CoV-2 cannot transmit via human milk. There is no evidence that infants should be separated from SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers who are well enough to establish or continue breastfeeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L R Powell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eidelman AI. Breastfeeding and Maternal Viral Infections: It Is Not Just a Matter of COVID-19-What About HIV. Breastfeed Med 2022; 17:91-92. [PMID: 35021864 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2021.29201.aie] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur I Eidelman
- -Arthur I. Eidelman, MD, FABM, Editor-in-Chief, Breastfeeding Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neonates and COVID-19: state of the art : Neonatal Sepsis series. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:432-439. [PMID: 34961785 PMCID: PMC8712275 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01875-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact worldwide, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. While this impact has been well-recognized in certain age groups, the effects, both direct and indirect, on the neonatal population remain largely unknown. There are placental changes associated, though the contributions to maternal and fetal illness have not been fully determined. The rate of premature delivery has increased and SARS-CoV-2 infection is proportionately higher in premature neonates, which appears to be related to premature delivery for maternal reasons rather than an increase in spontaneous preterm labor. There is much room for expansion, including long-term data on outcomes for affected babies. Though uncommon, there has been evidence of adverse events in neonates, including Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C). There are recommendations for reduction of viral transmission to neonates, though more research is required to determine the role of passive immunization of the fetus via maternal vaccination. There is now considerable evidence suggesting that the severe visitation restrictions implemented early in the pandemic have negatively impacted the care of the neonate and the experiences of both parents and healthcare professionals alike. Ongoing collaboration is required to determine the full impact, and guidelines for future management. IMPACT: Comprehensive review of current available evidence related to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonates, effects on their health, impact on their quality of care and indirect influences on their clinical course, including comparisons with other age groups. Reference to current evidence for maternal experience of infection and how it impacts the fetus and then neonate. Outline of the need for ongoing research, including specific areas in which there are significant gaps in knowledge.
Collapse
|