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Obesity as a Risk Factor for Severe Illness From COVID-19 in the Pediatric Population

Ankit Agarwal1, Farida Karim1, Adriana Fernandez Bowman1

  • 1Pediatrics, Ascension Sacred Heart, University of Florida, Pensacola, USA.

Cureus
|June 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is an emerging risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing obesity in pediatric COVID-19 patients for appropriate clinical care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology of Viral Illnesses

Background:

  • Limited clinical data exists for pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Understanding risk factors for severe disease in children is crucial for effective management.
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects children differently than adults.

Observation:

  • Obesity has recently been identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 in the pediatric population.
  • Children under one year of age and those with underlying conditions are at increased risk.
  • Case reports are vital for understanding the clinical course and outcomes in specific pediatric groups.

Findings:

  • This case report examines the association between obesity and COVID-19 severity in a child.
  • It explores the pathophysiological links and clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
  • Early identification of obesity as a risk factor aids in anticipating disease severity.

Implications:

  • Recognizing obesity as a risk factor is paramount for pediatric COVID-19 care.
  • This knowledge supports the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies for children.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of obesity on pediatric COVID-19 outcomes.

Keywords:
childrencovid-19factorsobesityrisk

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