Fatal Neonatal Influenza A Myocarditis

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Virology
• Pediatric Pathology

Background:

• A term infant required emergency resuscitation in the delivery room, which proved unsuccessful.
• The mother reported a common cold during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Antenatal examinations were otherwise unremarkable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause of unexpected fetal demise and the failure of resuscitation.
• To identify potential links between maternal illness and fetal complications.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case review of a term neonate.
• Autopsy examination of the deceased infant.
• Histopathological analysis for infectious agents.

Main Results:

• The infant's heart rate remained critically low (15-20 beats/minute) despite resuscitation.
• Autopsy revealed fetal myocarditis.
• Influenza A viral infection was confirmed as the cause of myocarditis.

Conclusions:

• Influenza A infection in the mother during late pregnancy can lead to severe fetal myocarditis.
• Fetal myocarditis may result in stillbirth or neonatal death, even with prompt resuscitation.
• This case highlights the importance of considering maternal viral infections in unexplained fetal or neonatal deaths.