Retinal Findings of Hospitalized Neonates Recovered from COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Observational, Descriptive Study

Purpose Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can cause microvascular alterations that can lead to irreversible complications in multiple tissues and organs. Detrimental effects of COVID-19 on retinal structure have recently been reported in adult population. However, literature data about neonatal population is very scarce. Thus, we aimed to assess possible retinal changes of neonates recovered from COVID-19 infection in this prospective, observational, descriptive study. Methods The neonates recovered from COVID-19 infection were included to the study between 01 September 2020 and 30 April 2021. Their initial ophthalmological examination was made after a negative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction obtained and all patients were re-examined 1 month later. All examinations were performed by same retina specialist using a binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results A total of 15 neonates [9 (60%) male, 6 (40%) female, mean gestational age of 38.9 +/- 0.9 weeks (ranging from 37 to 40 week)] were evaluated in the study. The mean age at the time of hospitalization was 17.5 +/- 8.7 days (ranging from 2 to 29 days), and the mean duration of hospitalization was 12.5 +/- 6.2 days (ranging from 4 to 27 days). Except for one patient with bilateral avascular area in Zone-III, no further retinal manifestation related to COVID-19 was found in the study. Conclusion COVID-19 infection can cause retinal damage in neonates. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored for signs of ocular involvement.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to assess possible retinal changes in neonates recovered from COVID-19 infection. The study found that COVID-19 infection can cause retinal damage in neonates, highlighting the importance of monitoring ocular involvement in these patients.