Update on SARS-CoV-2 infection in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited knowledge exists regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) clinical presentations, transmission, and prognosis in children and adolescents.
• Recent reports provide emerging insights into the disease's characteristics within this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents.
• To highlight clinical presentation, imaging findings, and severe manifestations, including COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).
• To detail the impact of COVID-19 in the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic review of literature was conducted.
• Databases searched included MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CAPES Portal.
• Search terms focused on SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and pediatric age groups (child, children, youth, adolescent, newborn).

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection in children typically presents as asymptomatic, mild, or moderate illness.
• Family members are a common source of infection for young individuals.
• Uncommon severe forms, such as MIS-C, and perinatal impacts are significant considerations.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric COVID-19 presentations aids pediatricians in early diagnosis and monitoring.
• Prompt identification of warning signs is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
• Understanding disease patterns in children is essential for public health interventions and clinical management.