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Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Infections in Hospitalized Children During and After the COVID-19
Sandra Prgomet1, Zvonimir Boban2, Sunčica Prgomet3
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Insights
Childhood hospitalizations for respiratory infections surged post-COVID-19, with younger children and viral pathogens becoming more prevalent. Surveillance is key to managing evolving infectious disease trends.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood respiratory infections are a leading cause of hospitalization.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the patterns of pediatric infections.
- Understanding these shifts is critical for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze epidemiological and clinical trends of pediatric hospitalizations for infections from 2021-2024.
- To identify changes in patient demographics, prevalent symptoms, and causative pathogens.
- To assess the impact of eased restrictions on infection patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalized children's infection data.
- Comparison of hospitalization rates, patient ages, symptoms, and pathogens across years 2021-2024.
- Focus on data from the first quarter of each year.
Main Results:
- Hospitalizations increased fourfold from 2021 to 2024.
- Average patient age decreased from 4.6 to 2.3 years, with more infants hospitalized.
- Cough replaced fever as the primary symptom; viral pathogens (influenza, RSV) became dominant over bacteria and SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Eased pandemic restrictions led to a resurgence of viral infections in children.
- Shifting demographics and pathogen prevalence necessitate updated clinical practices.
- Ongoing surveillance of pediatric infection trends is essential for adapting healthcare responses.
Abstract:
Infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory system, are a major cause of hospitalization among children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of childhood infections underwent a significant transformation. To understand these changes, this study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of infections in children hospitalized during the first quarters of years 2021-2024. The number of hospitalizations was four times greater in 2024 compared to 2021. The average patient age decreased from 4.6 years in 2021 to 2.3 years in 2024 due to the increase in proportion of infants. The most prevalent symptom changed from fever in 2021 to cough in subsequent years. Bacterial pathogens were dominant in 2021, and viral pathogens were more common in the other three years. SARS-CoV-2 and rotavirus were the most common viruses in 2021 and 2022 but were overtaken by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in 2023 and 2024. The findings of the study highlight changes in patient characteristics caused by the easing of restrictions and subsequent resurgence of viral infections. Continued surveillance of infection trends is crucial for adapting clinical practices to the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases in the post-pandemic world.
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