COVID-19 Infection in Children: Diagnosis and Management

Long-term cytokine profile in multisystem inflammatory disease among children

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory disease in children (MIS-C) is a post-infectious condition following coronavirus disease-19 infection. Long-term follow-up data suggests that initial clinical severity does not necessarily correlate with long-term outcomes. The long-term immunological response in children with MIS-C remains poorly understood. We analyzed cytokine profiles at diagnosis and during follow-up, in pediatric patients with MIS-C, exploring correlations among cytokine expressions and standard biochemical and hormonal test results.

METHODS

Twenty-five MIS-C patients (mean 9.4 ± 3.9) with complete test results at diagnosis and at 6- and 12-months follow-up were included in the study. Selected cytokines, such as IL-9, eotaxin, IP-10, MIP-1β, RANTES, MCP-1(MCAF), TNF-α, PDGF-B, IL-4, and MIP-1α, were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

IP-10, MCP-1 (MCAF), and MIP-1α levels normalized or nearly normalized at 6-12 months, the remaining cytokines, including IL-9, eotaxin, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF-α, PDGF-B, IL-4, remained higher in MIS-C than in controls at our last follow-up time. At 6 months post-diagnosis, a mild negative correlation between triglycerides and HOMA-IR with MCP-1 (MCAF), IL-4, and Eotaxin was noted. At the 12-month follow-up we found a mild positive correlation of cortisol and ACTH levels with PDGF-B, MIP-1α, and TNF-α. Conversely, a negative correlation between these cytokines with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings highlight a notable cytokine-mediated inflammatory response in pediatric patients with MIS-C, characterized by sustained elevated levels over a 12-month monitoring period compared to the control group. We have identified various interrelationships among different cytokines, as well as correlations between heightened cytokine levels and metabolic and hormonal patterns. The pronounced inflammatory response underscores its involvement in acute organ damage, while its persistence suggests potential implications for long-term metabolic disorders.

Children aged 0-14 years had a far lower mortality risk during the entire COVID-19 pandemic in four major industrial countries: an observational study

The purpose of this study is to describe the morbidity and mortality of children during the entire COVID-19 pandemic. Age-disaggregated data of 108,003,741 cases and 560,426 deaths were collected from Canada, France, Germany, and Italy. The number of cases and deaths per million people per week, as well as case fatality rates (CFRs), were calculated for patients aged 0-14 and ≥ 15 years. During the first pandemic period in the four countries, starting from weeks 4 to 11 (in 2020) and ending at week 22 (in 2021), the number of deaths per million people per week and the CFRs in the ≥ 15 years age group were 500 to 2513 and 442 to 1662 times greater, respectively, than those in the 0-14 years age group. The number of deaths per million people per week was significantly lower in the first pandemic period than in the second pandemic period, which started at week 23 (2021) and ended from week 22 to week 25 (2023). During the second pandemic period in the four countries, the disparities between the ≥ 15 years and 0-14 years age groups decreased, and the number of deaths per million people per week in the ≥ 15 years age group was 76 to 180 times greater than it in the 0-14 years age group.

CONCLUSION

 Children aged 0-14 years had a far lower mortality risk during the entire COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of viral variants and/or vaccination on the mortality rate is difficult to distinguish.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Although extensive studies have focused on COVID-19-induced mortality, most of them are provisional reports performed during the unfolding of the pandemic and provide imprecise conclusion.

WHAT IS NEW

• We described the morbidity and mortality for children aged 0-14 years using complete survey data recorded during the entire COVID-19 pandemic. • The number of deaths per million people per week was far lower in children aged 0-14 years, while the number of deaths per million people per week in children aged 0-14 years was significantly higher in the second period which starting from week 23 (2021) and ending at week 22 to 25 (2023) than in the first period which starting from week 1 to 11 (2020) and ending at week 22 (2021).

Neurological manifestations and risk factors associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized children with Omicron variant infection

There are increasing reports of neurological manifestation in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the frequency and clinical outcomes of in hospitalized children infected with the Omicron variant are unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, neurological manifestations, and risk factor associated with poor prognosis of hospitalized children suffering from COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant. Participants included children older than 28 days and younger than 18 years. Patients were recruited from December 10, 2022 through January 5, 2023. They were followed up for 30 days. A total of 509 pediatric patients hospitalized with the Omicron variant infection were recruited into the study. Among them, 167 (32.81%) patients had neurological manifestations. The most common manifestations were febrile convulsions (n = 90, 53.89%), viral encephalitis (n = 34, 20.36%), epilepsy (n = 23, 13.77%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (n = 9, 5.39%), and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (n = 6, 3.59%). At discharge, 92.81% of patients had a good prognosis according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (scores ≥ 4). However, 7.19% had a poor prognosis. Eight patients died during the follow-up period with a cumulative 30-day mortality rate of 4.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-8.1). Multivariate analysis revealed that albumin (odds ratio 0.711, 95% CI 0.556-0.910) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) levels (odds ratio 1.033, 95% CI 1.004-1.063) were independent risk factors of poor prognosis due to neurological manifestations. The area under the curve for the prediction of poor prognosis with albumin and CK-MB was 0.915 (95%CI 0.799-1.000), indicating that these factors can accurately predict a poor prognosis.          Conclusion: In this study, 32.8% of hospitalized children suffering from COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant infection experienced neurological manifestations. Baseline albumin and CK-MB levels could accurately predict poor prognosis in this patient population. What is Known: • Neurological injury has been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infection; compared with other strains, the Omicron strain is more likely to cause neurological manifestations in adults. • Neurologic injury in adults such as cerebral hemorrhage and epilepsy has been reported in patients with Omicron variant infection. What is New: • One-third hospitalized children with Omicron infection experience neurological manifestations, including central nervous system manifestations and peripheral nervous system manifestations. • Albumin and CK-MB combined can accurately predict poor prognosis (AUC 0.915), and the 30-day mortality rate of children with Omicron variant infection and neurological manifestations was 4.8%.

Case report: unprecedented case of infantile cerebral infarction following COVID-19 and favorable outcome

The 2019 novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was highly prevalent in China as of December 2022, causing a range of symptoms, predominantly affecting the respiratory tract. While SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is generally mild, severe cases, especially in infants, are rare. We present a case of a previously healthy 7-month-old infant who developed cerebral infarction and coagulation dysfunction three days after COVID-19 onset. Clinically, the infant had weakness in the left limbs and pinpoint bleeding spots. A cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed ischemic strokes in the right basal ganglia and thalamus. Laboratory tests indicated thrombocytopenia and coagulation dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 were elevated, with increased CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes but decreased CD3- CD16+ CD56+ natural killer cells. Treatment included mannitol, dexamethasone, oral aspirin, and vitamins B1 and B6 for reducing intracranial pressure, antiinflammation, anticoagulation, and nerve support, respectively. During the recovery phase, rehabilitation therapy focused on strength training, fine motor skills, and massage therapy. The infant gradually improved and successfully recovered. While rare, such cases can lead to severe complications. These combined efforts were instrumental in achieving significant functional recovery in the patient, demonstrating that even in severe instances of pediatric cerebral infarction due to COVID-19, positive outcomes are attainable with early and comprehensive medical response.

Clinical characteristics of 4,520 paediatric patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, in Xi'an, China

Background and objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has broad tissue tropism and high transmission, which are likely to perpetuate the pandemic. The study aim to analyze the clinicopathogenic characteristics in paediatric patients.

Methods

In this single-centre study, we retrospectively included all confirmed cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection at Xi'an Children's Hospital, China, from 1 December to 31 December 2022. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the patients were analysed.

Results

A total of 4,520 paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections were included. Of these, 3,861 (85.36%) were outpatients, 659 (14.64%) were hospitalised patients, and nine patients (0.20%) died. Of the nine patients who died, five were diagnosed with acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The most common symptoms were fever in 4,275 (94.59%) patients, cough in 1,320 (29.20%) patients, convulsions in 610 (13.50%) patients, vomiting in 410 (9.07%) patients, runny nose/coryza in 277 (6.13%) patients, hoarseness of voice in 273 (6.04%) patients. A blood cell analysis showed a slight elevation of monocytes (mean: 11.14 ± 0.07%). The main diagnoses for both outpatients and inpatients were respiratory infection with multisystem manifestations.

Conclusions

A high incidence of convulsions is a typical characteristic of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five of the nine COVID-19 fatalities were associated with ANE. This indicates that nervous system damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection is more significant.

Case report: Presentations and cytokine profiles of inflammatory non-pulmonary COVID-19 and related diseases in children

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved to dynamic waves of different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Initially, children diagnosed with COVID-19 presented pulmonary involvement characterized by mild diseases. In the later waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, life-threatening non-pulmonary inflammatory diseases such as (1) aseptic meningoencephalitis (ME), (2) acute necrotizing encephalopathies (ANE), and (3) multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported, affecting the pediatric population. To alert timely identification and prevention of the life-threatening non-pulmonary COVID-19, we present the cases of ME, ANE, and MIS-C in terms of clinical manifestation, cytokine profile, and follow-up consequences. Based on the immunopathogenesis and risk factors associated with non-pulmonary COVID-19, we delineate strategies for an early diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality in children.

Predictors associated with critical care need and in-hospital mortality among children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection in a high HIV infection burden region

Introduction

Despite the extra mortality associated with COVID-19 death globally, there is scant data on COVID-19-related paediatric mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed predictors of critical care needs and hospital mortality in South African children with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in region with high HIV infection burden.

Methods

We conducted a secondary multicentre analysis of the AFREhealth cohort (a multinational, multicentre cohort of paediatric COVID-19 clinical outcomes across six African countries) of children admitted to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli, a quaternary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with confirmed RT-PCR between March 2020 and December 2020. We constructed multivariable logistic regression to explore factors associated with the need for critical care (high care/ intensive care hospitalisation or oxygen requirement) and cox-proportional hazards models to further assess factors independently associated with in-hospital death.

Results

Of the 82 children with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean ± SD age: 4.2 ± 4.4 years), 35(42.7%) were younger than one year, 52(63%) were female and 59(71%) had a pre-existing medical condition. Thirty-seven (45.2%) children required critical care (median (IQR) duration: 7.5 (0.5-13.5) days) and 14(17%) died. Independent factors associated with need for critical care were being younger than 1 year (aPR: 3.02, 95%CI: 1.05-8.66; p = 0.04), having more than one comorbidity (aPR: 2.47, 95%CI: 1.32-4.61; p = 0.004), seizure (aPR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.56-3.68; p < 0.001) and impaired renal function. Additionally, independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were exposure to HIV infection (aHR: 6.8, 95%CI:1.54-31.71; p = 0.01), requiring invasive ventilation (aHR: 3.59, 95%CI: 1.01-12.16, p = 0.048) and increase blood urea nitrogen (aHR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.11; p = 0.017). However, children were less likely to die from COVID-19 if they were primarily admitted to quaternary unit (aHR: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.1-0.86, p = 0.029).

Conclusion

We found a relatively high hospital death rate among children with confirmed COVID-19. During COVID-19 waves, a timely referral system and rapid identification of children at risk for critical care needs and death, such as those less than one year and those with comorbidities, could minimize excess mortality, particularly in high HIV-infection burden countries.

Severe COVID-19 Infection in an Infant With 8p Inverted Duplication/Deletion Syndrome: Is Vaccination Still a Debate?

Despite having a milder course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in comparison to adults, children are at risk for more significant complications, including acute neurological, renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications. Acute complications can manifest as encephalopathy, renal injury, interstitial pneumonia, and heart failure. However, the most severe complication is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, which often requires intensive care to manage the subsequent respiratory failure. Moreover, children with comorbidities such as chronic lung disease, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease are at an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Here, we present the case of an 11-month-old white female patient, previously unvaccinated against COVID-19, with chronic lung disease and the 8p inverted duplication/deletion (Inv dup del (8p)) syndrome who suffered from a severe COVID-19 infection. Initially presenting to the pediatric clinic with nasal congestion and respiratory distress, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated which necessitated immediate transfer to the nearest pediatric tertiary center. There, she was mechanically ventilated, received dexamethasone and remdesivir, and was hospitalized for 26 days, nine of which were in the pediatric intensive care unit. To date, there is no current literature on Inv dup del (8p) syndrome as a predisposing factor for severe COVID-19 infection. Therefore, further investigation is needed to determine if Inv dup del (8p) can predispose a patient to having a severe COVID-19 course.

Principles of Rational COVID-19 Therapy in Pediatrics

The purpose of this review was to conduct a comparative assessment of the concepts of therapy for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in the framework of global clinical practice. A structural analysis of the range of drugs and treatment strategies in the context of etiotropic, pathogenetic, and symptomatic therapy has shown that in the global context and in real clinical practice, the etiotropic-pathogenetic approach based on information about the effectiveness of individual medical technologies prevails today. It has been established that eight international nonproprietary/grouping names are present in international practice as means of etiotropic therapy for pediatric patients with COVID-19, and 18 positions are used for pathogenetic therapy. In terms of frequency of occurrence, the leading positions are occupied by remdesivir and the combination of nirmatrelvir with ritonavir, as well as dexamethasone and tocilizumab. The paper emphasizes the relevance of research in the field of evaluating the effectiveness of individual treatment regimens as well as the analysis of the delayed consequences of pathology suffered in childhood under the conditions of using various approaches to pharmacotherapy.

Clinical Features of COVID-19 in Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: 2020-2022 Survey of the Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children can be compounded by concurrent diseases and immunosuppressants. For the first time, we aimed to report the clinical features of concurrent COVID-19 and pediatric rheumatic disease (PRD) in Japan. Pediatric Rheumatology Association of Japan members were surveyed between 1 April 2020 and 31 August 2022. Outcome measurements included the clinical features of concurrent PRD and COVID-19. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 38 hospitals. Thirty-one hospitals (82%) had children with PRD and COVID-19. The female-to-male ratio in these children (n = 156) was 7:3, with half aged 11-15 years. The highest proportion of children with PRD and COVID-19 was accounted for by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (52%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (24%), juvenile dermatomyositis (5%), scleroderma (4%), and Takayasu arteritis (3%). Of children with PRD, a significant majority (97%) were found to be asymptomatic (10%) or presented with mild symptoms (87%) of the COVID-19 infection. No severe cases or deaths were observed. Regarding the use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, or biologics for PRD treatment before COVID-19, no significant difference was found between asymptomatic/mild and moderate COVID-19 in children with PRD. Therefore, COVID-19 is not a threat to children with PRD in Japan.

T Lymphocyte Subset Counts and Interferon-Gamma Production in Adults and Children with COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Adults and children exhibit a broad range of clinical outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection, with minimal to mild symptoms, especially in the pediatric age. However, some children present with a severe hyperinflammatory post-infectious complication named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), mainly affecting previously healthy subjects. Understanding these differences is still an ongoing challenge, that can lead to new therapeutic strategies and avoid unfavorable outcomes. In this review, we discuss the different roles of T lymphocyte subsets and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the immune responses of adults and children. Lymphopenia can influence these responses and represent a good predictor for the outcome, as reported by most authors. The increased IFN-γ response exhibited by children could be the starting point for the activation of a broad response that leads to MIS-C, with a significantly higher risk than in adults, although a single IFN signature has not been identified. Multicenter studies with large cohorts in both age groups are still needed to study SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis with new tools and to understand how is possible to better modulate immune responses.

Characteristics of COVID-19 patients with multiorgan injury across the pandemic in a large academic health system in the Bronx, New York

Purpose

To investigate the evolution of COVID-19 patient characteristics and multiorgan injury across the pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study consisted of 40,387 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the Montefiore Health System in Bronx, NY, between March 2020 and February 2022, of which 11,306 were hospitalized. Creatinine, troponin, and alanine aminotransferase were used to define acute kidney injury (AKI), acute cardiac injury (ACI) and acute liver injury, respectively. Demographics, comorbidities, emergency department visits, hospitalization, intensive care utilization, and mortality were analyzed across the pandemic.

Results

COVID-19 positive cases, emergency department visits, hospitalization and mortality rate showed four distinct waves with a large first wave in April 2020, two small (Alpha and Delta) waves, and a large Omicron wave in December 2021. Omicron was more infectious but less lethal (p = 0.05). Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, age decreased (p = 0.014), female percentage increased (p = 0.023), Hispanic (p = 0.028) and non-Hispanic Black (p = 0.05) percentages decreased, and patients with pre-existing diabetes (p = 0.002) and hypertension (p = 0.04) decreased across the pandemic. More than half (53.1%) of hospitalized patients had major organ injury. Patients with AKI, ACI and its combinations were older, more likely males, had more comorbidities, and consisted more of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients (p = 0.005). Patients with AKI and its combinations had 4-9 times higher adjusted risk of mortality than those without.

Conclusions

There were shifts in demographics toward younger age and proportionally more females with COVID-19 across the pandemic. While the overall trend showed improved clinical outcomes, a substantial number of COVID-19 patients developed multi-organ injuries over time. These findings could bring awareness to at-risk patients for long-term organ injuries and help to better inform public policy and outreach initiatives.

Younger and Rural Children are More Likely to be Hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 Infections

Purpose

To identify characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection that are associated with hospitalization in children initially evaluated in a Pediatric Emergency Department (ED).

Methods

We identified cases of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients seen in the Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) ED or hospitalized between May 27, 2020, and April 28, 2022 using ICD-10 codes within the Pediatric Hospital Information System (PHIS) Database. We compared infection waves for differences in patient characteristics, and used logistic regressions to examine which characteristics led to a higher chance of hospitalization.

Findings

We included 681 pre-Delta cases, 673 Delta cases, and 970 Omicron cases. Almost 17% of patients were admitted to the hospital. Compared to Omicron infected children, pre-Delta and Delta infected children were twice as likely to be hospitalized (OR=2.2 and 2.0, respectively; p<0.0001). Infants less than 1 year of age were >3 times as likely to be hospitalized than children ages 5-14 years regardless of wave (OR=3.42; 95%CI=2.36-4.94). Rural children were almost 3 times as likely than urban children to be hospitalized across all waves (OR=2.73; 95%CI=1.97-3.78). Finally, those with a complex condition had nearly a 15-fold increase in odds of admission (OR=14.6; 95%CI=10.6-20.0).

Conclusions

Children diagnosed during the pre-Delta or Delta waves were more likely to be hospitalized than those diagnosed during the Omicron wave. Younger and rural patients were more likely to be hospitalized regardless of wave. We suspect lower vaccination rates and larger distances from medical care influenced higher hospitalization rates.

Comparison of Symptoms Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Variants Among Children in Canada

IMPORTANCE

Clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 variants have not been systematically compared in children.

OBJECTIVE

To compare symptoms, emergency department (ED) chest radiography, treatments, and outcomes among children with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter cohort study was performed at 14 Canadian pediatric EDs. Participants included children and adolescents younger than 18 years (hereinafter referred to as children) tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in an ED between August 4, 2020, and February 22, 2022, with 14 days of follow-up.

EXPOSURE(S)

SARS-CoV-2 variants detected on a specimen collected from the nasopharynx, nares, or throat.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was presence and number of presenting symptoms. The secondary outcomes were presence of core COVID-19 symptoms, chest radiography findings, treatments, and 14-day outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 7272 participants presenting to an ED, 1440 (19.8%) had test results positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these, 801 (55.6%) were boys, with a median age of 2.0 (IQR, 0.6-7.0) years. Children with the Alpha variant reported the fewest core COVID-19 symptoms (195 of 237 [82.3%]), which were most often reported by participants with Omicron variant infection (434 of 468 [92.7%]; difference, 10.5% [95% CI, 5.1%-15.9%]). In a multivariable model with the original type as the referent, the Omicron and Delta variants were associated with fever (odds ratios [ORs], 2.00 [95% CI, 1.43-2.80] and 1.93 [95% CI, 1.33-2.78], respectively) and cough (ORs, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.06-1.91] and 1.57 [95% CI, 1.13-2.17], respectively). Upper respiratory tract symptoms were associated with Delta infection (OR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.38-2.79]); lower respiratory tract and systemic symptoms were associated with Omicron variant infection (ORs, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.04-1.92] and 1.77 [95% CI, 1.24-2.52], respectively). Children with Omicron infection most often had chest radiography performed and received treatments; compared with those who had Delta infection, they were more likely to have chest radiography performed (difference, 9.7% [95% CI, 4.7%-14.8%]), to receive intravenous fluids (difference, 5.6% [95% CI, 1.0%-10.2%]) and corticosteroids (difference, 7.9% [95% CI, 3.2%-12.7%]), and to have an ED revisit (difference, 8.8% [95% CI, 3.5%-14.1%]). The proportions of children admitted to the hospital and intensive care unit did not differ between variants.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 variants suggest that the Omicron and Delta variants were more strongly associated with fever and cough than the original-type virus and the Alpha variant. Children with Omicron variant infection were more likely to report lower respiratory tract symptoms and systemic manifestations, undergo chest radiography, and receive interventions. No differences were found in undesirable outcomes (ie, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission) across variants.

Efficacy of Lianhua Qingwen for children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection: A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Lianhua Qingwen Granules or Capsules (LHQW) has accumulated much research evidence in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. However, there are still few data on its efficacy and safety in children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW in children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, propensity-score matched retrospective cohort study of children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in Shanghai New International Expo Center mobile cabin hospital between April 1st and June 1st, 2022. Eligible patients received either LHQW granules/capsules plus supportive care (LHQW group) or supportive care alone (control group). The primary outcome was the negative conversion time of nucleic acid. Secondary outcomes included the negative conversion rate of nucleic acid, the length of hospital stay, clinical disease progression, and cycle threshold [Ct] values for SARS-CoV-2 open reading frame [ORF1ab] or nucleocapsid [N] genes.

RESULTS

Overall, 2808 patients were enrolled, and 346 patients in each group were included in the analysis. Among the propensity-score matched groups, LHQW treatment was associated with an accelerated negative conversion time of nucleic acid (median: 5 d vs. 6 d, Hazard ratio: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.46, Log-rank p < 0.001), a higher negative conversion rate of nucleic acid (Day 2 - 6: 2.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.036; 29.8% vs. 5.5%, p < 0.001; 42.5% vs. 24.3%, p < 0.001; 51.4% vs. 31.5%, p < 0.001; 63.3% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.030), shorter hospital stay (median: 10 d vs. 11 d, Hazard ratio: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.29 - 1.74, Log-rank p < 0.001), and lower rates of asymptomatic infection progressing to mild (37.9% vs. 46.5%, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that LHQW treatment was associated with faster clinical recovery in children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection.

Analysis of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on the pediatric population hospitalized during the pandemic in the Greater Paris University Hospitals

Background

The clinical characteristics, disease progression and outcome in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection appear significantly milder compared to older individuals. Nevertheless, the trends in hospitalization and clinical characteristics in the pediatric population seem to be different over time across the different epidemic waves.

Objective

Our aim was to understand the impact of the different COVID-19 variants in the pediatric population hospitalized in the Pediatric Departments of the Public Hospital in the Greater Paris area by the analysis performed with the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP) Health Data Warehouse.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study including 9,163 patients under 18 years of age, hospitalized from 1 March 2020 to 22 March 2022, in the Paris area, with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2. Three mutually exclusive groups with decreasing severity (Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), symptomatic infection, mild or asymptomatic infection) were defined and described regarding demography, medical history, complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and treatment during admission. Temporal evolution was described by defining three successive waves (March-September 2020, October 2020-October 2021, and November 2021-March 2022) corresponding to the emergence of the successive variants.

Results

In the study period, 9,163 pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were hospitalized in 21 AP-HP hospitals. The number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection increased over time for each wave of the pandemic (the mean number of patients per month during the first wave was 332, 322 during the 2nd, and 595 during the third wave). In the medical history, the most associated concomitant disease was chronic respiratory disease. Patients hospitalized during the third wave presented a higher incidence of pulmonary involvement (10.2% compared to 7% and 6.5% during the first and second waves, respectively). The highest incidence of PIMS was observed during the first and second waves (4.2% in the first and second waves compared to 2.3% in the 3rd wave).

Discussion

This analysis highlighted the high incidence of hospitalized children in the Greater Paris Area during the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic corresponding to the Omicron Covid-19 variant, which is probably an expression of a concomitant SARS-CoV-2, while a decreased incidence of PIMS complication was observed during the same period.

COVID-19 and Thrombosis: Clinical Aspects

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thrombus formation is related to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the progression of clinical symptoms. Severe damage to vascular endothelial cells and the associated cytokine storm after SARS-CoV-2 infection cause thrombogenesis and contribute to the development of more severe and unique thromboses compared to other infectious diseases. Thromboses occur more often in critically ill patients. In addition to pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial thrombosis, and aortic thrombosis have also been reported. In PE, thrombi develop in both pulmonary arteries and alveolar capillaries. These, together with intraalveolar fibrin deposition, interfere with effective gaseous exchange in the lungs and exacerbate the clinical symptoms of ARDS in patients with COVID-19. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is recommended for all hospitalized patients to prevent both thrombosis and aggravation of ARDS, and other organ failures. Although the pediatric population is mostly asymptomatic or develops mild disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection, a new inflammatory disorder affecting the cardiovascular system, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), has been reported. Similar to Kawasaki disease, acute myocarditis, coronary vasculitis, and aneurysms are typically seen in MISC, although these two are now considered distinct entities. A similar acute myocarditis is also observed in young male adults, in which a hyperinflammatory state after SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be involved. Several side effects following vaccination against COVID-19 have been reported, including vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia and acute myocarditis. Although these could be serious and life-threatening, the cases are very rare, thus, the benefits of immunization still outweigh the risks.

Pathogenesis and Preventive Tactics of Immune-Mediated Non-Pulmonary COVID-19 in Children and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved to immune escape and threatened small children and the elderly with a higher severity and fatality of non-pulmonary diseases. These life-threatening non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases such as acute necrotizing encephalopathies (ANE) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are more prevalent in children. However, the mortality of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is much higher than that of MIS-C although the incidence of MIS-A is lower. Clarification of immunopathogenesis and genetic susceptibility of inflammatory non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases would provide an appropriate guide for the crisis management and prevention of morbidity and fatality in the ongoing pandemic. This review article described three inflammatory non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases including (1) meningoencephalitis (ME), (2) acute necrotizing encephalopathies (ANE), and (3) post-infectious multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and in adults (MIS-A). To prevent these life-threatening non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases, hosts carrying susceptible genetic variants should receive prophylactic vaccines, avoid febrile respiratory tract infection, and institute immunomodulators and mitochondrial cocktails as early as possible.

The Absence of Permanent Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Cohort of Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Importance of Performing the Audiological “Work-Up”

Background: Currently, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes an acute respiratory illness named COVID-19 and is a controversial risk factor for hearing loss (HL). Herein, we aim to describe the associated symptoms and to evaluate hearing function in the COVID-19 pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 37 children who contracted COVID-19 infection with no previous audio-vestibular disorders. Clinical data on the infections were collected, and an audiological assessment of all affected children was performed by using different diagnostic protocols according to their age. Results: Fever, upper respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations were common presentations of infection. Audiological function was normal in 30 (81.08%) children, while 7 children showed an increased hearing threshold: 6 (16.21%) had transient conductive hearing loss (CHL) due to middle ear effusion and normalized at the follow-up and 1 had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A single child was affected by bilateral SNHL (2.7%); however, he underwent a complete audiological work-up leading to a diagnosis of genetic HL due to a MYO6 gene mutation which is causative of progressive or late onset SNHL. Conclusions: HL needs to be considered among the manifestations of COVID-19 in children, nevertheless, we found cases of transient CHL. The onset of HL during or following COVID-19 infection does not eliminate the indication for maintaining audiological surveillance and audiological work-ups, including genetic diagnosis, to avoid the risk of mistaking other causes of HL.

COVID-19 Co-Infection May Promote Development of Sinusitis Complication in Children

BACKGROUND

The olfactory dysfunction that occurs during a COVID-19 infection has sparked much debate about its similarity to sinusitis. Up to 65% of COVID-19 pediatric patients may be asymptomatic; however, when symptoms are observed, fever and cough are the most common. Nasal congestion and discharge as well as headaches can also be seen, which makes both entities, i.e., COVID-19 and sinusitis, similar to each other.

METHODS

In this review, we present the clinical case of a teenager with a history of acute sinusitis and COVID-19 co-infection followed by purulent meningoencephalitis. We aim to summarize available findings on the association between COVID-19, sinusitis, and possible common complications of both diseases.

RESULTS

Differentiating between COVID-19 and sinusitis can be confusing because presented symptoms may overlap or mimic each other. Increased risk of complications, especially in patients with bacterial sinusitis co-infected with SARS-CoV-2, should prompt physicians to monitor young patients and inform parents about disturbing symptoms and possible complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute sinusitis and COVID-19 co-infection may lead to numerous complications and should be included among the factors predisposing to worse prognosis. It is especially related to patients with high risk factors and even more important in children as they often pass the infection asymptomatically and its complications can lead to loss of health or life.

A Comprehensive Comparison of COVID-19 Characteristics (Wuhan‎ Strain) Between Children and Adults During Initial Pandemic Phase: A Meta-Analysis Study

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Wuhan strain) features in children and adults during the initial pandemic phase. Methods: Until June 4, 2020, a systematic search was conducted on the EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus to find and collect studies based on available data among adults and children. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2 statistics and chi-square testing. The random-effect model was used to pool the effect sizes due to inter-study heterogeneity (chi-square P-value 0.1 and I2 >50%). Results: Fever (65.73%), cough (53.78%), expectoration (37.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (37.01%), headache (23.41%), shortness of breath (21.65%), and myalgia (20.79%) were the most common symptoms reported in children, according to the pooled estimation analysis. Arthralgia (Effect estimate (ES): adults = 2.15, children = 17.94) and headache (ES: adults = 9.22, children = 23.41) were significantly observed higher in children (P-value = 0.019). Adult patients had a higher rate of abnormal computer tomography (CT)-scan findings, while most children had a normal study. Adults had significantly higher rates of comorbidities, whereas children had significantly higher rates of asthma (ES: 17.94% vs 8.85%; P-value = 0.026) and malignancy (‎ES: 10.36‎% vs ‎5.47‎‎%; P-value = 0.045‎). During initial pandemic phase, hydroxychloroquine (ES: 66.21% vs ‎‎29.01%; P-value = 0.001) and antibiotics (ES: 77.86% vs 38.01%; P-value = 0.001) ‎were used much more frequently in adult patients. Adults used much more antibiotics than children. Nonetheless, antibiotics were given to around 40% of the children studied. ‎ Conclusions: Although children were afflicted less than adults in the early stages of the pandemic and had lower mortality, clinical and radiological findings, as well as prognostic factors, did not differ significantly between adults and children. However, with the advent of novel variants, clinical signs and symptoms, complications, and outcomes changed in children significantly.

Possible COVID-19 Maternal-to-Neonate Vertical Transmission in a Case of Early Neonatal Infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus and has resulted in a global pandemic. Information regarding the COVID-19 pathophysiology and its long-term impacts on humans is yet to be found. The knowledge about the COVID -19 infection's effects on the fetus is limited. The maternal to fetal transmission during various trimesters is not adequately studied. We present a case concerning maternal-to-fetal vertical transmission focusing on congenital infection.

Remdesivir: the first FDA-approved anti-COVID-19 Treatment for Young Children

Following the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, finding efficient forms of treatment is seen as a priority for both adults and children. On April 25, 2022, remdesivir has become the first United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved COVID-19 treatment for young children, specifically ≥28-days-old children, weighing ≥3 kilograms, who are either hospitalized or non-hospitalized, showing a high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 (prone to hospitalization or death). This new approval, which expands its already FDA-approved use in adults to young children, is supported by the CARAVAN study (a phase 2/3 single-arm, open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of remdesivir (GS-5734™) in participants, from birth to < 18 years of age, with COVID-19). This study is in progress, with an estimated primary completion in February 2023. While positive effects of remdesivir have been ascertained through various studies, controversy has surrounded remdesivir since its initial FDA approval in 2020 due to the contradictory results obtained by various studies. However, many case reports state its positive effects on the outcome of the patients, encouraging an optimistic vision for the future.

Six-month multidisciplinary follow-up in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: An Italian single-center experience

BACKGROUND

A severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 has been described after infection. A limited number of reports have analyzed the long-term complications related to pro-inflammatory status in MIS-C. We evaluated multiorgan impairment at the 6-month follow-up in MIS-C.

METHODS

We enrolled 33 pediatric patients consecutively hospitalized for MIS-C and monitored for almost 6 months. The inter-relationship of patient's features and disease severity at admission with long term complications was studied by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Endo-metabolic derangement, cardiac injury, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal manifestations and neurological involvement are part of the initial presentation. The most abnormalities appear to resolve within the first few weeks, without significant long term dysfunction at the 6-months follow-up, except for endocrine (non-thyroidal illness syndrome in 12.1%, insulin resistance in 21.2%) and neurological system (27.3% cognitive or psychological, behavioral, adaptive difficulties). Endocrine and heart involvement at admission represent a significant factor on the long term sequelae; however no association between severity score and long-term outcome was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of initial clinical presentation may be associated to organ domain, however it is not related to long term sequelae. The prevalent organ restoration supports a predominant indirect immune-mediated injury triggered by a systemic inflammatory response; however a direct damage due to the viral entry could be not excluded. Eventhought our preliminary results seem to suggest that MIS-C is not a long-term risk condition for children health, a longer follow-up is mandatory to confirm this hypothesis.