Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
05:32
Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
9.0K
SARS-CoV-2 infection in technology-dependent children: a multicenter case series
Joan Robinson1, Tammie Dewan2, Shaun K Morris3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-556ECHA, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. jr3@ualberta.ca.
Infection
|August 29, 2022
Summary
Children with technology dependence (TD) face higher COVID-19 hospitalization risks. However, those without end-stage conditions survived hospitalization, highlighting the importance of baseline health status for COVID-19 outcomes in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Critical care medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Technology dependence (TD) in children presents unique challenges during acute illness.
- Understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on vulnerable pediatric populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical course and outcomes of children with technology dependence (TD) hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To assess the risk factors and severity of COVID-19 in this specific pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center study involving 17 pediatric hospitals across Canada, Iran, and Costa Rica.
- Inclusion criteria: children up to 17 years old admitted with SARS-CoV-2 detection between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021.
- Data collection focused on demographics, clinical course, and outcomes for children with TD.
Main Results:
- Out of 691 children, 42 (6%) had TD, with varying dependencies (feeding tubes, oxygen, ventilation, tracheostomy).
- Three cases had incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection; two children with end-stage conditions died.
- Of the remaining 37, 16 (43%) required increased respiratory support due to COVID-19; 21 (57%) did not. All survivors were discharged home.
Conclusions:
- Children with TD demonstrate an elevated risk for COVID-19 hospitalization.
- Despite increased hospitalization risk, children with TD and without end-stage chronic conditions had favorable outcomes, surviving to discharge.
