Intrauterine transmission of H1N1 disease: a theory that needs evidence!

Abstract

Three pandemics of influenza in the 20th century have been described. Unfortunately, a little is known about the effect of those pandemics on newborn infants. We are reporting our experience with newborns born to mothers proved to have H1N1 illness perinatally, who presented with sepsis-like illness at birth or shortly after, and were treated as having H1N1 disease. This study will report on the clinical features, outcome and discuss diagnosis and treatment challenges and also the possibility of intrauterine H1N1 transmission. Our cases had good neonatal outcome, H1N1 intrauterine transmission still a possibility that needs further research efforts.

Keywords::

• H1N1
• transmission
• intrauterine
• neonate

Acknowledgment

Authors thank the nursing staff and the pediatric residents who did a distinguished work during these tough days.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.