Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2025
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Outcomes in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review
Anastasia Batsiou1, Petros Mantzios2, Daniele Piovani3,4
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "Agios Panteleimon" General Hospital of Nikea, 18454 Piraeus, Greece.
Insights
COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) appears to be low. Current data do not support initial concerns of increased infection risk or worse outcomes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) remains unclear.
- Existing knowledge is evolving, necessitating updated research on infection risks and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
- To synthesize current evidence on COVID-19 prevalence and severity in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus databases up to September 2022.
- 14 studies comprising 4006 children with PIBD were included in the review.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of COVID-19 among children with PIBD was 9.7% (390/4006).
- Hospitalization occurred in 5.9% and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission in 0.6% of COVID-19 cases; no deaths were reported.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 21% of cases with available data; no clear association between PIBD activity/treatment and COVID-19 outcomes was found.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of COVID-19 in PIBD patients is low, and current data do not support heightened infection risk or worse prognosis.
- Further research is required to elucidate the natural history of COVID-19 in PIBD and optimize patient management and care strategies.
Abstract:
The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is still not clear and the knowledge acquired over the last 2 years is still evolving. This study aims to investigate the risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies published up until September 2022. Out of the 475 articles screened, 14 studies were included in the review. Of the 4006 children with PIBD included, 390 (9.7%) tested positive for COVID-19. Among those with COVID-19, 5.9% (0-16.7%) needed hospitalization, 0.6% (0-1%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and no deaths were reported. Among the included studies, only four presented details regarding patients' symptoms, with 21% (0-25%) presenting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. An association between PIBD activity or specific treatment and COVID-19 outcome could not be established. The prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD was low; therefore, the initial concerns regarding higher infection risk and worse prognosis in this population are not supported by the currently available data. Further research is needed to determine the natural history of the infection and the optimal treatment for these patients. Much is still unclear and additional studies should be performed in order to optimize prevention and care for this special group of patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...