Brain metabolite concentrations in neonates of mothers with COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy: a case-control study

Motivation: Recent evidence suggested that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy results in increased placental inflammation and potential adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment. Goal(s): To investigate whether COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy affects brain metabolites in the offspring. Approach: We compared MR spectra from the frontal lobe, basal ganglia and cerebellum using 1H-MRS in neonates of mothers with COVID-19 infection in pregnancy compared to age- and sex-matched unexposed and healthy neonates. Results: In a cohort of 76 neonates, we detected significantly increased levels of glutamine and decreased levels of taurine in the cerebellum of infants born to mothers with prenatal COVID-19 infection. Impact: Neonates of COVID-19 infected mothers during pregnancy may have their neurodevelopment altered. Research focusing on neurodevelopment protection, including a dietary supplement of choline and close monitoring of the neonates' cognitive development, could benefit this cohort.