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Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Children

Kelly Graff1, Christiana Smith1, Lori Silveira1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe COVID-19 in children is predicted by extreme age, comorbidities, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). These findings help tailor clinical management and pandemic planning for pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Limited data exists on severe COVID-19 in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for effective management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiology of severe COVID-19 in children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of children with SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive tests.
  • Analysis of risk factors for severe disease, defined by hospital admission, respiratory support, or critical care.
  • Utilized univariable and multivariable statistical analyses.

Main Results:

  • Hispanic ethnicity was overrepresented in the pediatric COVID-19 cohort compared to the general hospital population.
  • Predictors for severe COVID-19 included extreme age (0-3 months or >20 years), preterm birth history, and comorbidities (immunocompromise, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes, asthma).
  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly associated with the need for critical care.

Conclusions:

  • Extremes of age, presence of comorbidities, and elevated CRP are significant predictors of severe COVID-19 disease in children.
  • Findings support the need for tailored clinical management and pandemic planning for pediatric patients.
  • This research aids public health officials in resource allocation for pediatric COVID-19 response.
Abstract

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