Sudden Cardiopulmonary Arrest in a Neonate Eight Days After Being Infected With SARS-CoV-2

TL;DR

A one-month-old infant died from severe complications after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, including coagulopathy and hemorrhage.

Contribution

This case report highlights rare but severe vascular and coagulation complications in infants with COVID-19.

Findings

The infant developed severe coagulopathy and hemorrhage linked to SARS-CoV-2.

Autopsy showed intramyocardial hemorrhage and vascular damage in coronary and intestinal tissues.

The case underscores the risk of systemic complications in pediatric COVID-19.

Abstract

COVID-19 infection typically presents with mild symptoms in pediatric patients; however, rare but serious complications can occur, including fatal outcomes. This case report describes the clinical course and autopsy findings of a one-month-old female infant who initially presented with fever and bloody stools and subsequently developed severe coagulopathy and hemorrhage associated with COVID-19. The infant experienced cardiopulmonary arrest and succumbed to irreversible global brain dysfunction despite intensive care. Autopsy revealed significant intramyocardial hemorrhage and fibrinoid degeneration in the coronary arteries and intestinal microvasculature, underscoring the potential for severe vascular complications in infants with COVID-19. These findings highlight the importance of considering systemic involvement and potential coagulopathies in the management of pediatric COVID-19 cases.

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