Reduction in paediatric intensive care admissions during COVID-19 lockdown in Maryland, USA

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care
• Public health policy
• Epidemiology

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic prompted global public health interventions to curb transmission.
• Government measures, including lockdowns, were implemented worldwide to 'flatten the curve'.
• Maryland's government enacted specific public health measures in response to the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
• To compare PICU admission data during the lockdown with data from the preceding four years.
• To investigate the potential factors contributing to observed changes in PICU admissions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of PICU admission data.
• Comparison of admission rates during the lockdown period with historical data (previous four years).
• Focus on respiratory infection admissions as a primary outcome.

Main Results:

• A notable decrease in overall PICU admissions was observed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The decline in admissions was predominantly driven by a reduction in respiratory infections.
• Potential contributing factors include reduced person-to-person contact, improved air quality, and public apprehension towards hospitals.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 public health measures led to a significant reduction in pediatric intensive care admissions.
• The decrease in respiratory infections was a major factor in the observed decline.
• Multifactorial influences, including behavioral and environmental changes, likely contributed to the reduced PICU admissions.