Maternal respiratory viral infections during pregnancy and offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes: A systematic review. (June 2023) - San Martín-González, Nerea
Abstract: Maternal infections during pregnancy, as cytomegalovirus and zika, have been consistently associated with severe newborn neurodevelopmental conditions, mainly related to vertical transmission and congenital infection. However, little is known about the neurodevelopmental consequences of maternal respiratory viral infections, which are the most prevalent infections during pregnancy. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased the interest in understanding the consequences of infections in offspring's development. This systematic review explores whether maternal gestational viral respiratory infections are associated with neurodevelopmental deviations in children below 10 years-old. The search was conducted in Pubmed, PsychInfo and Web of Science databases. 13 articles were revised, including information about maternal infection (Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and unspecified respiratory infections) and offspring's neurodevelopment (global development, specific functions, temperament and behavioral/emotional aspects). Controversial results were reported regarding maternal respiratory infections during pregnancy and infants' neurodevelopment. Maternal infections seem to be associated with subtle alterations in some offspring's developmental subdomains, as early motor development, and attentional, behavioral/emotional minor problems. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of other psychosocial confounding factors. Highlights: 13 studies on pregnancy viral respiratory infections and offspring neurodevelopment. Studies found alterations on motor, attentional and behavioral/emotional domains. The possible impact of infection severity and timing of pregnancy remains unclear. COVID-19 pandemic situation and associated stress predict poorer infant's outcomes. Further studies based on child cohorts born during COVID-19 period are needed.