Multidisciplinary Guidance Regarding the Use of Immunomodulatory Therapies for Acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pediatric Patients

In-hospital care of children with COVID-19

Children have been reported to be less affected and to have milder severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, children, and particularly those with underlying disorders, are still likely to develop critical illnesses. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, most previous studies have focused on adult patients. To aid in the knowledge of in-hospital care of children with COVID-19, this study presents an expert review of the literature, including the management of respiratory distress or failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), hemodynamic and other organ support, pharmaceutical therapies (anti-viral drugs, anti-inflammatory or antithrombotic therapies) and management of cardiopulmonary arrest.

Review of pediatric emergency care and the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed new challenges in health care delivery for patients of all ages. These included inadequate personal protective equipment, workforce shortages, and unknowns related to a novel virus. Children have been uniquely impacted by COVID-19, both from the system of care and socially. In the initial surges of COVID-19, a decrease in pediatric emergency department (ED) volume and a concomitant increase in critically ill adult patients resulted in re-deployment of pediatric workforce to care for adult patients. Later in the pandemic, a surge in the number of critically ill children was attributed to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This was an unexpected complication of COVID-19 and further challenged the health care system. This article reviews the impact of COVID-19 on the entire pediatric emergency care continuum, factors affecting ED care of children with COVID-19 infection, including availability of vaccines and therapeutics approved for children, and pediatric emergency medicine workforce innovations and/or strategies. Furthermore, it provides guidance to emergency preparedness for optimal delivery of care in future health-related crises.

Hospital and ICU Admission Risk Associated With Comorbidities Among Children With COVID-19 Ancestral Strains

A large proportion of children have been affected by COVID-19; we evaluated the association between comorbidities and hospitalization/ICU (intensive care unit) admission among 4097 children under age 21 years with symptomatic COVID-19 (not just polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-positive or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 [MIS-C]) from 2 large health systems from March 2020 to September 2021. Significant comorbidities and demographic factors identified by univariable analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression compared with children ages 6 to 11 without comorbidities. In all, 475 children (11.6%) were hospitalized, of whom 25.5% required ICU admission. Children under 1 year had high hospitalization risk, but low risk of ICU admission. Presence of at least 1 comorbidity was associated with hospitalization and ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] > 4). Asthma, obesity, chronic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, bone marrow transplantation, and neurologic disorders were associated with hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] > 2). Malignancy, intellectual disability, and prematurity were associated with ICU admission (AOR > 4). Comorbidities are significantly associated with hospitalization/ICU admission among children with COVID-19.

A snapshot of pediatric inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19: a point prevalence study from Turkey

This multi-center point prevalence study evaluated children who were diagnosed as having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On February 2nd, 2022, inpatients and outpatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included in the study from 12 cities and 24 centers in Turkey. Of 8605 patients on February 2nd, 2022, in participating centers, 706 (8.2%) had COVID-19. The median age of the 706 patients was 92.50 months, 53.4% were female, and 76.7% were inpatients. The three most common symptoms of the patients with COVID-19 were fever (56.6%), cough (41.3%), and fatigue (27.5%). The three most common underlying chronic diseases (UCDs) were asthma (3.4%), neurologic disorders (3.3%), and obesity (2.6%). The SARS-CoV-2-related pneumoniae rate was 10.7%. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 12.5% in all patients. Among patients aged over 12 years with access to the vaccine given by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, the vaccination rate was 38.7%. Patients with UCDs presented with dyspnea and pneumoniae more frequently than those without UCDs (p < 0.001 for both). The rates of fever, diarrhea, and pneumoniae were higher in patients without COVID-19 vaccinations (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, and p = 0.027).  Conclusion: To lessen the effects of the disease, all eligible children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The illness may specifically endanger children with UCDs. What is Known: • Children with COVID-19 mainly present with fever and cough, as in adults. • COVID-19 may specifically threaten children with underlying chronic diseases. What is New: • Children with obesity have a higher vaccination rate against COVID-19 than children without obesity. • Among unvaccinated children, fever and pneumoniae might be seen at a higher ratio than among vaccinated children.

Factors Influencing the Length of Hospital Stay Among Pediatric COVID-19 Patients at Queen Rania Al Abdullah Hospital for Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide epidemic. Children are less commonly infected and have less severe symptoms than adults. However, they are at risk for COVID-19-associated severe sickness and hospitalization. The duration of stay is a major driver of effective health treatment during hospitalization; thus, it is only logical to attempt to comprehend the factors influencing the length of stay (LOS) for these patients, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 virus. As predictors of hospital LOS, several variables, including age, gender, disease severity, hospital mortality, insurance type, and hospital location, have been discovered. In our study, we focused on the severity of the patient's condition, the presence of comorbidities, and the necessary therapeutic regimen to predict the duration of stay. This study aimed to answer the following questions: If a patient has comorbidity and has COVID-19 requiring hospital treatment, will the patient's comorbidity elongate the duration of stay at the hospital for further management in the pediatric age group? What are the risk factors that play a significant role in the hospital stay duration in pediatrics? Methodology We gathered data from 100 hospitalized children aged up to 14 years who tested positive for COVID-19, which was not specific to variants of SARS-CoV-2, over 24 months (February 2020-February 2022) at Queen Rania Al Abdullah Hospital for Children, one of the Health Care Accreditation Council accredited facilities. Clinical symptoms, signs, oxygen demand, imaging study results, laboratory data, and usage of corticosteroid and antiviral medication were all taken from patients' medical records. There were no limitations in taking the sample of patients. All patients in the duration mentioned were included. Results Clinical data of 100 COVID-19-positive pediatric patients were analyzed; 52% of the patients had associated chronic illnesses, while 48% were medically free. The longest duration of LOS was 28 days, the shortest was one day, the median was eight days, and five days was the most frequent among patients owing to 21% of patients, using mean descriptive statistics. We compared LOS to having or not having comorbidities. The mean LOS of patients with the comorbid disease was 6.15 days, with a maximum of 28 days, while for patients without chronic illnesses, the mean was 4.81 days with a maximum of 14 days. The significance was 0.07. Our results also showed a significant correlation between using steroids and LOS, as it had an advantageous effect by decreasing it with a significance value of 0.04. Having abnormal findings on chest computed tomography (CT) scan was also associated with increased LOS with a significant value of 0.00. Conclusions According to our research, there was no direct association between comorbidity and hospital LOS, which is counterintuitive, as it was influenced by multiplayers of variables such as using steroids, which decreased the LOS, and abnormal findings on chest CT, which resulted in lengthening of the hospital stay. Our findings cannot be proven without further research and a larger patient sample.

Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of COVID-19 infection in children

INTRODUCTION

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been authorized for the treatment of COVID-19 in pediatric populations, however, there is a lack of evidence for their use in these populations.

AREAS COVERED

We outline the evidence of mAbs for COVID-19, discuss their use in the treatment of COVID-19 infection for pediatric patients, and consider alternative treatment options and challenges to COVID-19 drug approvals.

EXPERT OPINION

Limited evidence exists for the safety and efficacy of mAbs to treat COVID-19 in children as new variants emerge. In rare pediatric outpatient settings, such as profound immunodeficiency or severe pulmonary disease, the benefits of antiviral treatment for COVID-19 likely outweigh the relatively small risks. However, for the great majority of pediatric patients, mAb treatment is likely not indicated. Small molecule antiviral therapies are another potential treatment for COVID-19 in children in an outpatient setting, though neither mAb nor small molecule antiviral treatments have significant supporting evidence in children and developing a strong evidence base for these decisions will be challenging if not impractical. Ultimately, these decisions are likely to be made at the level of individual cases using expert opinion as the primary guiding principle.

Clinical presentation and outcomes of hospitalized children with COVID-19 in Mexico City

We describe the demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings relating them also to the severity and clinical outcome of 129 children (0-18 years) who were admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Mexico City due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. The infection was confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction Fever (82.2%), tachypnea (72.1%), and cough (71.3%) were the most reported signs at the moment of hospitalization. The most frequent radiological pattern that stood out was the interstitial pattern (66.7%). History of oncologic pathology (25.6%) was the most frequent past medical history. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (93%), antibiotics (57.4%), and steroids (40.3%) were the most common medication given. The average hospitalization stay was 14.2 days, and 21.7% of the total patients required transfer to the intensive care unit. At discharge, 20.2% required oxygen on an outpatient basis, and unfortunately, 7.0% of the patients who were admitted to the institute for COVID-19 died. Our findings confirm that COVID-19 in children has a mild presentation except for patients with hematologic/oncologic comorbidities who had severe presentations.

Therapeutics for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 in children and adolescents

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a mild to moderate respiratory illness in most children and adolescents, but a small proportion develop severe or critical illness. Although pediatric clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 are sparse, there are some available drugs for children and adolescents with severe COVID-19. This review summarizes clinical data focusing on antiviral agents and immunomodulators for COVID-19 treatment. Additionally, the current recommendations for therapeutics for children and adolescents with COVID-19 are discussed. Remdesivir is suggested for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in the following cases: children and adolescents with severe COVID-19 who need supplemental oxygen without mechanical ventilation; adolescents aged ≥12 years and weight of at least 40 kg with COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and are within 7 days of symptom onset and are at high risk of progression to severe illness. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is considered for adolescents aged ≥12 years and weighing at least 40 kg who do not require supplemental oxygen and are within 5 days of symptom onset and are at high risk of progression to severe disease. Corticosteroids are not recommended in children and adolescents with mild to moderate COVID-19. Corticosteroids are recommended in children and adolescents with severe to critical COVID-19.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections in Children

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in children generally have milder presentations, but severe disease can occur in all ages. MIS-C and persistent post-acute COVID-19 symptoms can be experienced by children with previous infection and emphasize the need for infection prevention. Optimal treatment for COVID-19 is not known, and clinical trials should include children to guide therapy. Vaccines are the best tool at preventing infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. Children suffered disproportionately during the pandemic not only from SARS-CoV-2 infection but because of disruptions to daily life, access to primary care, and worsening income inequalities.

A Description of COVID-19-Directed Therapy in Children Admitted to US Intensive Care Units 2020

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-directed therapies are used in children with life-threatening COVID-19 in US hospitals. We described characteristics of children hospitalized in the intensive care unit or step-down unit (ICU/SDU) who received COVID-19-directed therapies and the specific therapies administered.

METHODS

Between March 15, 2020 and December 27, 2020, children <18 years of age in the ICU/SDU with acute COVID-19 at 48 pediatric hospitals in the United States were identified. Demographics, laboratory values, and clinical course were compared in children who did and did not receive COVID-19-directed therapies. Trends in COVID-19-directed therapies over time were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 424 children in the ICU/SDU, 235 (55%) received COVID-19-directed therapies. Children who received COVID-19-directed therapies were older than those who did not receive COVID-19-directed therapies (13.3 [5.6-16.2] vs 9.8 [0.65-15.9] years), more had underlying medical conditions (188 [80%] vs 104 [55%]; difference = 25% [95% CI: 16% to 34%]), more received respiratory support (206 [88%] vs 71 [38%]; difference = 50% [95% CI: 34% to 56%]), and more died (8 [3.4%] vs 0). Of the 235 children receiving COVID-19-directed therapies, 172 (73%) received systemic steroids and 150 (64%) received remdesivir, with rising remdesivir use over the study period (14% in March/April to 57% November/December).

CONCLUSION

Despite the lack of pediatric data evaluating treatments for COVID-19 in critically ill children, more than half of children requiring intensive or high acuity care received COVID-19-directed therapies.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Cardiovascular Manifestations and Complications in Children and Young Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic and has overwhelmed health care systems worldwide. In this scientific statement, we describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, treatment, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and young adults with a focus on cardiovascular manifestations and complications. We review current knowledge about the health consequences of this illness in children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease, the public health burden and health disparities of this infection in these populations, and vaccine-associated myocarditis.

Management of severe neonatal respiratory distress due to vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: a case report

Background

Neonates with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection are usually asymptomatic or have mild to moderate symptoms. Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with respiratory insufficiency is rare. Therefore, information about the best intensive care strategy for neonates requiring mechanical ventilation is lacking. We report a neonatal case of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, probably due to vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, complicated by Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. We aim to inform pediatric providers on the clinical course and acute management considerations in coronavirus disease-related neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Case presentation

A late preterm (gestational age 36 0/7 weeks) Caucasian girl was born from a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive mother and tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at 19 hours after birth. She developed acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation. The clinical course was complicated by S. aureus pneumonia and bacteremia. Multimodal management included well-established interventions for respiratory distress syndrome such as surfactant therapy, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and inhaled nitric oxide, combined with therapies extrapolated from adult care for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 patients such as dexamethasone, coronavirus disease 2019-specific immunoglobins, and prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin. The neonate was successfully weaned from the ventilator and improved clinically.

Conclusion

This case shows a rare but serious neonatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, leading to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Because of limited therapy guidelines for neonates, we suggest multimodal management with awareness of the possibility of S. aureus coinfection, to treat this age group successful.

The Cause–Effect Dilemma of Hematologic Changes in COVID-19: One Year after the Start of the Pandemic

COVID-19 is a systemic infection that leads to multisystem affection, including hematological changes. On the other hand, the patients who have certain hematological diseases are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. The aim of this review is to examine the wide spectrum of hematological changes that are reported to occur due to COVID-19 infection. Most of the studies over the past year mainly show that most of these changes are mainly non-specific, but are of prognostic value. On the other hand, the susceptibility of hematological patients to COVID-19 infection and complications remains questionable. Patients with certain hematological diseases (including malignancy) and those who are treated by aggressive immunosuppressive therapy have shown higher rates of COVID-19 infection and complications. On the other hand, for most of the patients suffering from other chronic hematological conditions, no evidence has shown a greater risk of infection, compared to the general population.

The Current Role for Biologic Medications in the Treatment of Pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C

Severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are characterized by hyperinflammation and multiorgan dysfunction. Although the incidence and mortality of these illnesses are low in the pediatric population, they occur with enough frequency to necessitate well-defined treatment strategies with demonstrated clinical efficacy. Biologic medications include small molecules or monoclonal antibodies that target specific receptors, enzymes or other proteins that play key roles in human disease. Biologic medications that inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways represent an emerging and valuable tool for the treatment of both severe COVID-19 and MIS-C in pediatric patients. This article discusses current theories regarding the pathogenesis of both diseases, and it will summarize the latest evidence supporting each biologic medication used for their treatment. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(2):e57-e62.].

Therapeutic Strategies for COVID-19 Lung Disease in Children

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has milder presentation in children than in adults, mostly requiring only supportive therapy. The immunopathogenic course of COVID-19 can be divided in two distinct but overlapping phases: the first triggered by the virus itself and the second one by the host immune response (cytokine storm). Respiratory failure or systemic involvement as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) requiring intensive care are described only in a small portion of infected children. Less severe lung injury in children could be explained by qualitative and quantitative differences in age-related immune response. Evidence on the best therapeutic approach for COVID-19 lung disease in children is lacking. Currently, the approach is mainly conservative and based on supportive therapy. However, in hospitalized children with critical illness and worsening lung function, antiviral therapy with remdesivir and immunomodulant treatment could be considered the "therapeutic pillars."

The "After Wave": Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 in a series of children from Eastern India

Background

The objective of the study is to describe the presentation, treatment and outcomes of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome with COVID-19 (MIS-C) in a tertiary care centre in Eastern India.

Methods

Retrospective data of children diagnosed with MIS-C during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic were obtained from hospital records. Clinical details, laboratory profile, treatment protocol and outcomes of children with MIS-C between 01 Nov 2020 and 30 June 2021 were analysed.

Results

Ten children (7 males) with a mean age of 6.8 years (median age 5.5 years, interquartile range 3.75-9.5) were analysed. COVID-19 RT-PCR was negative in all patients, whereas the IgG COVID antibody was positive in all children (100%). Seven children (7/10) had a history of contact with SARS CoV-2–positive adults. Five (5/10) children presented with cardiogenic shock. All children had evidence of a hyperinflammatory syndrome. Nine children (9/10) had predominant gastrointestinal and cardiovascular involvement. None had echocardiographic evidence of coronary dilatation or aneurysms either on admission or on follow-up. The elevated neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and D-dimer were found in all patients. All children responded to immunomodulatory treatment. None had residual deficit on discharge or at 4-week follow-up. There was no mortality.

Conclusion

Children with MIS-C have good prognosis if early immunomodulatory treatment is instituted. Further prospective studies for long-term outcomes in children with MIS-C are required it being a novel entity recently described.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC): A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to analyse current literature and reported cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC), concerning its clinical spectrum, complications associated, therapeutic strategies and distinguishing features of other clinical syndromes.

METHODS

Extensive literature research was performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed), Scopus and Web of Science from December 2019 to December 2020. First analysis included all article titles and abstracts screening to identify relevant studies, and second analysis included a full-text screening of previously selected studies. Eligibility was assessed independently by two authors, and disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. Data were extracted on MISC definition, demographic data, clinical features, diagnostic tests, laboratory analysis and imaging, therapeutical approach and outcomes.

RESULTS

Common symptoms included gastrointestinal (70%), rash (57%) and cardiovascular (52% with shock). Notable differences with Kawasaki disease were identified including age, clinical presentation and cardiac involvement. Thirty per cent presented positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and 51% positive serologies. Sixty-two per cent received intravenous immunoglobulin and 42% glucocorticoids. Sixty-two per cent required intensive care and 21 children died (<2%). Severe presentations were associated with neurological symptoms, hepatitis and acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSIONS

MISC raises concern on its severe cardiac involvement at presentation, with frequent intensive care and immunomodulatory therapy need. Short-term outcomes seem to be favourable, with cardiac dysfunction recovery and low mortality rates.

SARS-CoV-2 and pediatric solid organ transplantation: Current knowns and unknowns

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a challenge in regard to the clinical presentation, prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children who are candidates for and recipients of SOT. By providing scenarios and frequently asked questions encountered in routine clinical practice, this document provides expert opinion and summarizes the available data regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric SOT candidates and recipients and highlights ongoing knowledge gaps requiring further study. Currently available data are still lacking in the pediatric SOT population, but data have emerged in both the adult SOT and general pediatric population regarding the approach to COVID-19. The document provides expert opinion regarding prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric SOT candidates and recipients.

A Case Report for Severe COVID-19 in a 9-Year-Old Child Treated with Remdesivir and Dexamethasone

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is generally milder in children than in adults, and a substantial proportion of children with the disease have asymptomatic infections. Remdesivir is recommended for severe COVID-19. To date, there are little data on the outcomes of remdesivir treatment in children. We report a case of severe COVID-19 in a previously healthy but obese (body mass index, 27.6; 99.8th percentile of the age) 9-year-old boy treated with remdesivir and dexamethasone. The patient had pneumonia at the time of diagnosis and required supplemental oxygen due to hypoxia one day after diagnosis. The patient developed respiratory distress as his pneumonia progressed rapidly. Therefore, remdesivir with dexamethasone therapy was initiated on hospital day 2. Supplemental oxygen was gradually weaned on hospital day 6 and stopped on hospital day 9. Significant improvement in pneumonic consolidations on chest X-ray was noted on hospital day 8. The patient was discharged on hospital day 21. We did not observe any adverse effects of remdesivir therapy and successfully treated a 9-year-old child with severe COVID-19.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Paediatric Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 in a Tertiary Hospital in Mexico City

COVID-19 affects the paediatric population less frequently than adults. A retrospective study was performed in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Mexico City in children <18 years of age who were hospitalized with a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2. Included in the study were 86 patients with a median age of 10 years old (IQR 2.6-14.3 years), who were classified in three groups: previously healthy, with chronic disease and immunosuppressed patients. The principal signs and symptoms were fever (81%), cough (51%) and headache (35%). A total of 20 patients (23%) required management in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and 17% needed mechanical ventilation for an average of 12.7 days (IQR 2-29 days). There was no statistically significant difference between the three clinical classification groups in those patients admitted to the PICU, most of which were previously healthy patients. The mortality rate was 5% (four patients). Given that the paediatric population is susceptible to infection, potential transmitters and to clinical presentations with variable degrees of severity, it is important to continue reinforcing social distancing measures.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and critically ill children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Amidst an ongoing pandemic, the delineation of the pediatric consequence of infection from the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) virus is emerging. This review summarizes available pediatric data and covers the aspects of epidemiology, critical illness with acute infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)], the discovered multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and management options.

RECENT FINDINGS

The available data from the source of the initial viral transmission and then through Europe, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere identifies important aspects of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic: 1) Pediatric infection occurs commonly, is likely underestimated, and transmission patterns remain incompletely described, 2) Pediatric patients suffer multiple end-organ injuries but COVID-19 is not the same prevalence in terms of severity as in adults, 3) MIS-C is a novel and life-threatening manifestation of exposure to the virus, 4) Management using a combination of supportive care, standard practice intensive care management, and anti-inflammatory agents is associated with recovery, 5) Long-term sequelae of viral exposure is unknown at this time.

SUMMARY

Emerging evidence suggests pediatric patients are at risk for severe and life-threatening effects of exposure to SARS-CoV2. As the pandemic continues, further research is warranted - particularly as a vaccine is not yet available for use in children.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children

Since its appearance in Wuhan in mid-December 2019, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) related 19 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread dramatically worldwide. It soon became apparent that the incidence of pediatric COVID-19 was much lower than the adult form. Morbidity in children is characterized by a variable clinical presentation and course. Symptoms are similar to those of other acute respiratory viral infections, the upper airways being more affected than the lower airways. Thus far, over 90% of children who tested positive for the virus presented mild or moderate symptoms and signs. Most children were asymptomatic, and only a few cases were severe, unlike in the adult population. Deaths have been rare and occurred mainly in children with underlying morbidity. Factors as reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor expression, increased activation of the interferon-related innate immune response, and trained immunity have been implicated in the relative resistance to COVID-19 in children, however the underlying pathogenesis and mechanism of action remain to be established. While at the pandemic outbreak, mild respiratory manifestations were the most frequently described symptoms in children, subsequent reports suggested that the clinical course of COVID-19 is more complex than initially thought. Thanks to the experience acquired in adults, the diagnosis of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection has improved with time. Data on the treatment of children are sparse, however, several antiviral trials are ongoing. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize current understanding of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide more accurate information for healthcare workers and improve the care of patients.

Quality and consistency of clinical practice guidelines for treating children with COVID-19

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affects children’s health. Many guidelines have been developed for treating children with COVID-19. The quality of the existing guidelines and the consistency of recommendations remains unknown. Therefore, we aim to review the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for children with COVID-19 systematically.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, guideline-related websites, and Google. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) checklist were used to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of the included guidelines, respectively. The consistency of recommendations across the guidelines and their supporting evidence were analyzed.

Results

Twenty guidelines were included in this study. The mean AGREE II score and mean RIGHT reporting rate of the included guidelines were 37% (range, 22–62%) and 52% (range, 31–89%), respectively. As for methodological quality, no guideline was classified as high, one guideline (5%) moderate, and 19 (95%) low. In terms of reporting quality, one guideline (5%) was rated as high, 12 guidelines (60%) moderate, and seven (35%) low. Among included guidelines, recommendations varied greatly in the use of remdesivir (recommend: 25%, not recommend: 45%, not report: 30%), interferon (recommend: 15%, not recommend: 50%, not report: 35%), glucocorticoids (recommend: 50%, not recommend: 20%, not report: 30%), and intravenous immune globulin (recommend: 35%, not recommend: 30%, not report: 35%). None of the guidelines cited clinical trials from children with COVID-19.

Conclusions

The methodological and reporting quality of guidelines for treating children with COVID-19 was not high. Recommendations were inconsistent across different guidelines. The supporting evidence from children with COVID-19 was very limited.

COVID-19 in Children: Respiratory Involvement and Some Differences With the Adults

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a health problem with multidimensional impacts and heterogeneous respiratory involvement in children, probably due to the interaction between different and complex mechanisms that could explain its variable degrees of severity. Although the majority of reports reveal that children develop less severe cases, the number of patients is increasing with more morbidity. Most serious respiratory manifestations are acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia. By understanding the key aspects that can be used to differentiate between pediatric and adult respiratory compromise by COVID-19, we can improve our knowledge, and thus decrease the negative impact of the disease in the pediatric population. In this mini review, we summarize some of the mechanisms and findings that distinguish between adult and pediatric COVID-19 and respiratory involvement, taking into account some issues related to the physiopathology, diagnosis, clinical and paraclinical presentation, severity, treatment, and control of the disease.

COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients: A systematic review of cancer, hematopoietic cell and solid organ transplant patients

BACKGROUND

The clinical impact of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in immunocompromised patients has not been systematically evaluated.

METHODS

We reviewed current literature reporting on COVID-19 in cancer (CA), hematopoietic cell (HCT), and solid organ transplant (SOT) patients and compared their clinical data and outcomes to the general population. For adult CA, HCT and SOT patients, an extensive search strategy retrieved all articles published until July 20, 2020 by combining the terms coronavirus, coronavirus infection, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 in PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science, and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. For the pediatric CA cohort, a global COVID-19 registry was used. For the general population cohort, a large meta-analysis was used to compare pooled prevalence estimates, and two large meta-analyses were utilized to serve as pooled comparators for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

FINDINGS

Compared to the general population, adult CA and SOT patients with COVID-19 had higher comorbidities, greater levels of inflammatory markers at diagnosis, and higher rates of intensive care and hospital mortality. Pediatric CA patients and HCT patients with COVID-19 tended to have clinical presentations and outcomes similar to the general population.

INTERPRETATION

To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review evaluating COVID-19 phenotype and outcomes in immunocompromised patients and comparing them to the general population, which shows that hospital outcomes appear to be worse in adult CA and SOT patients, potentially due to their higher co-morbidity burden.

FUNDING

None.

The Importance of Early Recognition, Timely Management, and the Role of Healthcare Providers in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

In April 2020, a pediatric report of an unusual inflammatory illness associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to similar cases in Europe and North America, which was referred to as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Herein, we describe the case of a 12-year-old boy who had a history of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 and developed MIS-C approximately three weeks after an initial diagnosis of COVID-19. High fever with abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis was the initial manifestation of MIS-C, which could have been easily missed if the patient's history of COVID-19 was ignored. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered twice, 24 hours apart, five days after the onset of MIS-C, and the patient fully recovered without any obvious sequelae. Early recognition by disease awareness and prompt management are the keys to saving the lives of children affected by MIS-C.

Emerging Evidence on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

With the increased spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, more patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are being reported worldwide. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to analyse the clinical features, proposed pathogenesis and current treatment options for effective management of children with this novel entity. Electronic databases (Medline, Google Scholar, WHO, CDC, UK National Health Service, LitCovid, and other databases with unpublished pre-prints) were extensively searched, and all articles on MIS-C published from January 1, 2020, to October 10, 2020, were retrieved. English language studies were included. This systematic review analysed 17 studies with 992 MIS-C patients from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and developed countries (France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Chile and the US CDC data). Fever (95%) was the most common clinical manifestation followed by gastrointestinal (78%), cardiovascular (75.5%), and respiratory system (55.3%) involvement. Laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 infection was present. Though the exact pathogenesis remains elusive, virus-induced post-infective immune dysregulation appears to play a predominant role. Features resembling Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome or macrophage activation syndrome were present; 49% had shock; 32% had myocarditis; 18% had coronary vessel abnormalities and 9% had congestive cardiac failure. Sixty-three percent of the patients were admitted in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU); 63% received intravenous immunoglobulin, 58% received corticosteroids and 19% received alternate agents like tocilizumab; there were 22 (2.2%) deaths. Only 9/144 children in LMICs received tocilizumab that was significantly less than children in developed countries (p < 0.0001). This systematic review delineates and summarises recently published data on MIS-C from LMICs and developed countries. Although most needed PICU admission and received treatment with IVIG and steroids, most of the patients survived. Significantly fewer patients in developing countries received tocilizumab therapy than those in developed countries. It is crucial for clinician to recognise MIS-C, to differentiate it from other defined inflammatory conditions and initiate early treatment. Further studies are needed for long-term prognosis, especially relating to cardiac complications of MIS-C.

COVID-19 and Corticosteroids: Unfamiliar but Potentially Fatal Infections That Can Arise following Short-Course Steroid Treatment

Corticosteroid use is increasing worldwide as recent studies confer survival benefit of corticosteroids in the management of patients with severe COVID-19. Strongyloides and amebic infections are neglected diseases that can progress to catastrophic complications in patients exposed to corticosteroids, even with short treatment courses. To prevent lethal outcomes, clinicians should be aware of the threat these two parasitic infections pose to at-risk patients receiving corticosteroids, especially in the era of COVID-19.