Outcomes Following COVID-19 Infection among Hospitalized Infants

The major aim of this project is to evaluate the frequency of transmission and outcomes of infants infected or born to mother’s infected with COVID-19. The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI; PI Benjamin) is the primary project site, and Northwestern (site PI/project Co-I Blackwell) will lead the identification of specific outcome measures for infants and mothers. NU Site PI/Project Co-I Blackwell will be responsible for overseeing outcome measurement selection related to infant neurobehavioral functioning and wellness; maternal mental health and well-being; and medical outcomes related to need for urgent care, emergency room, or readmission due to medical illnesses including COVID-19. Blackwell will also collaborate with the main project site to integrate such measures into the Direct-to-Family Follow-up (DFF) visits occurring at 6 months and 12 months of age. Blackwell will provide expertise in the types of infant and mother outcomes most appropriate to assess at these two time points as well as guidance on specific measure selection to identify measures that balance brevity, scientific rigor, and developmental sensitivity. Blackwell will also assist in developing the manual of procedures for the DFFs, training research staff on remote administration (via telephone, potentially via online survey) of such measures, data analysis, and manuscript writing.