176 - Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms in Premature Births

Poster Number: 176
Publication Number: 176.449

Logan Napoli, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Mount Laurel, NJ, United States

Background: Pre-mature births are estimated to represent approximately 10% of births annually worldwide and is defined as any birth occurring before week 37 of labor. The main features of pre-mature births that may predispose patients to more severe respiratory symptoms include higher incidences of and reduced tolerance to oxidative stress, as well as potentially elevated ACE2 activity and expression.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the healthcare industry as well as the world at large. As we advance out of the initial stages of the pandemic and toward an endemic stage, our understanding of vulnerable groups will continue to involve. With this study, our goal is to determine whether the severity of COVID-19 infection is greater in those who were born pre-maturely (before week 37 of gestation), with the purpose of understanding whether early/neonatal respiratory compromise contribute to severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Our research aims to identify and protect a group of patients that represent a significant part of the population but may be looked over in many cases. Those who are born prematurely and have long term respiratory complications from it would benefit from knowing of a possible increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Design/Methods: Exploring and identifying factors for higher risk will increase positive medical outcomes when treating COVID-19 patients who were born pre-maturely. We evaluated length of stay in the NICU, gestational age, intubation, ventilation support, birth weight, and other parameters based off data collected from patients at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ. COVID-19 symptoms and duration of symptoms were also collected alongside lung capacity values. Duration of treatments such a ventilation and home oxygen were also recorded when applicable.

Results:

At this study’s conclusion, we expect these results to reveal valuable information on how to best treat and evaluate pre-mature births with positive COVID-19 diagnoses.


Conclusion(s):

Through this, we hope to reveal how best to accommodate this at-risk population as COVID-19 continues to develop and change our clinical landscape.