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COVID-19 and Pediatric Rheumatology: A Comprehensive Study from a Leading Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia
Jubran Alqanatish1,2,3, Abdullah Almojali4,5,6, Abdulmajeed Alfadhel4,5,6
1College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, 14611, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. qanatishj@mngha.med.sa.
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
|August 18, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 infection is common in children with rheumatic diseases, with most recovering well. However, unvaccinated children and those on certain medications face higher hospitalization risks, underscoring the importance of vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses risks to global health, with limited data on pediatric rheumatic disease patients.
- Children with rheumatic diseases often receive immunomodulatory/immunosuppressant therapies, potentially affecting their infection response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate COVID-19 infection rates, clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases.
- To identify specific risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in Saudi Arabia.
- Review of rheumatology patients under 19 years diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations, risk factors, and hospitalization/mortality rates.
Main Results:
- 126 out of 482 (26.1%) pediatric rheumatology patients contracted COVID-19; no factors increased contraction risk.
- Fever and respiratory symptoms were most common; 30% were asymptomatic. Most recovered (97.6%), but 2.38% died.
- Males, and patients on t-DMARDs or glucocorticoids had higher hospitalization risks. Vaccination reduced hospitalization risk.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 infection is prevalent in pediatric rheumatology patients, with varied outcomes.
- Vaccination significantly lowers hospitalization risk. Vigilant monitoring is crucial for unvaccinated patients and those on t-DMARDs or glucocorticoids.
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