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Li J, Chen Y, Ye H, Tang Q, Wang C, Zhou Q, Lin L, Jiang L, Peng X, Zhang H, Li H, Chen L. Impact of COVID-19 on adverse reactions to subcutaneous specific immunotherapy in children:a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:794. [PMID: 39112970 PMCID: PMC11305062 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09702-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a new infectious disease. To investigate whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection increases the adverse reactions of subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) in children. METHODS This study was conducted by collecting relevant data from children who underwent house dust mite SCIT from April 3, 2021, to March 18, 2023, including information on the time of COVID-19 infection, symptoms, and adverse reactions after each allergen injection. A mixed effects model was used to analyze the changes in adverse reactions before and after the COVID-19 infection. RESULTS Among the records of adverse reactions from 2658 injections in 123 children who underwent SCIT, the overall adverse reaction rate before COVID-19 infection was 39.8% and 30.0% after COVID-19 infection. Compared with pre-infection with COVID-19, the risks of overall adverse reactions, local adverse reactions, and systemic adverse reactions of immunotherapy after COVID-19 infection were reduced (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24, 0.31, and 0.28, all P < 0.05). Among the local adverse reactions, the incidence of the unvaccinated group was the highest (15.3% vs. 7.1%). The incidence of overall and local adverse reactions to SCIT decreased in 2-vaccinated COVID-19 recipients (OR = 0.29-0.31, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In children, SARS-CoV-2 infection does not increase the incidence of adverse reactions to SCIT. This finding can provide a basis for the implementation of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qiuyu Tang
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Chengyi Wang
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Liyuan Jiang
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiuling Peng
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Haibo Li
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Lumin Chen
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Kozawa K, Higashimoto Y, Kawamura Y, Miura H, Hattori F, Mihara Y, Nakai H, Nishimura N, Ozaki T, Ihira M, Yoshikawa T. Temporal patterns of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric population in Japan: A 3-year analysis. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29847. [PMID: 39105394 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
To elucidate the seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Japanese children, serological analysis was performed using serum samples collected from March 2020 to February 2023. A total of 1493 serum samples were collected during the first study period (March 2020 to February 2021). None of the serum samples was positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. In the second period (March 2021 to February 2022), seven of the 1055 patients (0.7%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third period (March 2022 to February 2023) was divided into three terms: from March to June 30, 2022; from July to October 2022; and from November 2022 to February 2023. The seroprevalence gradually increased throughout this period, with rates of 6.0%, 18.6%, and 30.4% in the three terms, respectively. Pediatric cases of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred after the surge of Omicron variants. Since none of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive patients had a previous history of coronavirus disease 2019, the seroprevalence rate in this study may represent the rate of asymptomatic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Kozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuki Higashimoto
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kawamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Miura
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hattori
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyokawa City Hospital, Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuka Mihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Nakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyokawa City Hospital, Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoko Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takao Ozaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaru Ihira
- Department of Clinical Science for Biological Monitoring, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Yoshikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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3
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Zhang D, Stein R, Lu Y, Zhou T, Lei Y, Li L, Chen J, Arnold J, Becich MJ, Chrischilles EA, Chuang CH, Christakis DA, Fort D, Geary CR, Hornig M, Kaushal R, Liebovitz DM, Mosa ASM, Morizono H, Mirhaji P, Dotson JL, Pulgarin C, Sills MR, Suresh S, Williams DA, Baldassano RN, Forrest CB, Chen Y. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Outcomes During the Post-Acute Phase of COVID-19: Findings from RECOVER Initiative from 29 Hospitals in the US. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.21.24307699. [PMID: 38826331 PMCID: PMC11142297 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.24307699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Importance The profile of gastrointestinal (GI) outcomes that may affect children in post-acute and chronic phases of COVID-19 remains unclear. Objective To investigate the risks of GI symptoms and disorders during the post-acute phase (28 days to 179 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection) and the chronic phase (180 days to 729 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection) in the pediatric population. Design We used a retrospective cohort design from March 2020 to Sept 2023. Setting twenty-nine healthcare institutions. Participants A total of 413,455 patients aged not above 18 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1,163,478 patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exposures Documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, including positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serology, or antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2, or diagnoses of COVID-19 and COVID-related conditions. Main Outcomes and Measures Prespecified GI symptoms and disorders during two intervals: post-acute phase and chronic phase following the documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) was determined using a stratified Poisson regression model, with strata computed based on the propensity score. Results Our cohort comprised 1,576,933 patients, with females representing 48.0% of the sample. The analysis revealed that children with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased risk of developing at least one GI symptom or disorder in both the post-acute (8.64% vs. 6.85%; aRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.24-1.27) and chronic phases (12.60% vs. 9.47%; aRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.26-1.30) compared to uninfected peers. Specifically, the risk of abdominal pain was higher in COVID-19 positive patients during the post-acute phase (2.54% vs. 2.06%; aRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11-1.17) and chronic phase (4.57% vs. 3.40%; aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.22-1.27). Conclusions and Relevance In the post-acute phase or chronic phase of COVID-19, the risk of GI symptoms and disorders was increased for COVID-positive patients in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazheng Zhang
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ronen Stein
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yiwen Lu
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ting Zhou
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuqing Lei
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lu Li
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jiajie Chen
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael J. Becich
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Chrischilles
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Cynthia H. Chuang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Daniel Fort
- Ochsner Center for Outcomes Research, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Carol R. Geary
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Mady Hornig
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rainu Kaushal
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - David M. Liebovitz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Abu Saleh Mohammad Mosa
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Biostatistics and Medical Epidemiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Hiroki Morizono
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Parsa Mirhaji
- Institute for Clinical Translational Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Dotson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Claudia Pulgarin
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marion R. Sills
- Department of Research, OCHIN, Inc., Portland, OR, United States
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Srinivasan Suresh
- Divisions of Health Informatics & Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David A. Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robert N. Baldassano
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christopher B. Forrest
- Applied Clinical Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yong Chen
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI), Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Medicine Center for Evidence-based Practice (CEP), Philadelphia, PA, United States
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4
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Ximenes IBDS, Leal CRF, Batista OMA, Moura MEB, Madeira MZDA, Valle ARMDC, Prates PEG, de Sousa ÁFL, de Andrade D. Clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19: integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm 2024; 77Suppl 1:e20230400. [PMID: 38958355 PMCID: PMC11213543 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to analyze clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19. METHODS integrative review conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, CINHAL; 2,111 studies were obtained, and 8 articles comprised the final sample. RESULTS clinical outcomes in neonates of pregnant women positive for COVID-19 were classified according to the following categories: a) contamination by COVID-19, reported in 62.5% of the studies; b) hospital discharge due to improvement, mentioned in 37.5% of the articles; c) death, representing rare cases in 25% of the sample. The most prevalent gestational complication was prematurity, mentioned in 75% of the studies. This complication has been observed due to cases of premature rupture of membranes and placental abruption. CONCLUSIONS despite the knowledge of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic behavior in neonates, it is important to continue the search for new clinical data, as this public has uncertain reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Hospital Sírio Libanês. São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Nova University of Lisbon. Lisbon, Portugal
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Li L, Zhou T, Lu Y, Chen J, Lei Y, Wu Q, Arnold J, Becich MJ, Bisyuk Y, Blecker S, Chrischilles E, Christakis DA, Geary CR, Jhaveri R, Lenert L, Liu M, Mirhaji P, Morizono H, Mosa ASM, Onder AM, Patel R, Smoyer WE, Taylor BW, Williams DA, Dixon BP, Flynn JT, Gluck C, Harshman LA, Mitsnefes MM, Modi ZJ, Pan CG, Patel HP, Verghese PS, Forrest CB, Denburg MR, Chen Y. Post-acute and Chronic Kidney Function Outcomes of COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents: An EHR Cohort Study from the RECOVER Initiative. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.25.24309488. [PMID: 38978683 PMCID: PMC11230320 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.24309488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the risks of post-acute and chronic adverse kidney outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population via a retrospective cohort study using data from the RECOVER program. We included 1,864,637 children and adolescents under 21 from 19 children's hospitals and health institutions in the US with at least six months of follow-up time between March 2020 and May 2023. We divided the patients into three strata: patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) during the acute phase (within 28 days) of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and patients without pre-existing CKD or AKI. We defined a set of adverse kidney outcomes for each stratum and examined the outcomes within the post-acute and chronic phases after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In each stratum, compared with the non-infected group, patients with COVID-19 had a higher risk of adverse kidney outcomes. For patients without pre-existing CKD, there were increased risks of CKD stage 2+ (HR 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13-1.28) and CKD stage 3+ (HR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15-1.59) during the post-acute phase (28 days to 365 days) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Within the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, children and adolescents with pre-existing CKD and those who experienced AKI were at increased risk of progression to a composite outcome defined by at least 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m2, End Stage Kidney Disease diagnosis, dialysis, or transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ting Zhou
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yiwen Lu
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jiajie Chen
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuqing Lei
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qiong Wu
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Michael J. Becich
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yuriy Bisyuk
- Office of Research, University Medical Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
| | - Saul Blecker
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
| | | | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Carol Reynolds Geary
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Leslie Lenert
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida, College of Medicine
| | - Parsa Mirhaji
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Hiroki Morizono
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington DC
| | | | - Ali Mirza Onder
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Wilmington, DE
| | - Ruby Patel
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, Palo Alto, CA
| | - William E. Smoyer
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University
| | - Bradley W. Taylor
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | | | - Bradley P. Dixon
- Renal Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Caroline Gluck
- Nemours Children’s Health, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Wilmington, DE
| | | | - Mark M Mitsnefes
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital medical Center and University of Cincinnati
| | - Zubin J. Modi
- Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Cynthia G. Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Hiren P. Patel
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Priya S. Verghese
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Christopher B. Forrest
- Applied Clinical Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michelle R. Denburg
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yong Chen
- The Center for Health AI and Synthesis of Evidence (CHASE), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Bagala I, Namuganga JF, Nayebare P, Cuu G, Katairo T, Nabende I, Gonahasa S, Nassali M, Tukwasibwe S, Dorsey G, Nankabirwa J, Kitaka SB, Kiguli S, Greenhouse B, Ssewanyana I, Kamya MR, Briggs J. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: a serial cross-sectional study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.09.24308673. [PMID: 38947039 PMCID: PMC11213087 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.24308673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status. Methods Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave). Household questionnaires and blood samples were collected to test for malaria by microscopy and for SARS-CoV-2 using a Luminex assay. Seroprevalence was estimated at both the survey and community level. Mixed-effects logistic regression models assessed the association between individual and household factors and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children, adjusting for household clustering. Results More households reported disruptions in daily life at baseline compared to follow-up, though economic impacts lingered. By the follow-up survey, 52.7% of adults had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Overall seroprevalence in children was higher at follow-up compared to baseline (71.6% versus 19.2%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence in children ranged across communities from 6-37% at baseline and 50-90% at follow-up. At baseline, children from the poorest households were more likely to be infected. Increasing age remained the only consistent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion at both timepoints. Conclusions Results indicate that a larger number of children were infected by the Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19 compared to the Alpha wave. This study is the largest seroprevalence survey in children in Uganda, providing evidence that most children were infected with SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccine was widely available to pediatric populations. Pediatric infections were vastly underreported by case counts, highlighting the importance of seroprevalence surveys in assessing disease burden when testing and reporting rates are limited and many cases are mild or asymptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bagala
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Gloria Cuu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Katairo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaiah Nabende
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Martha Nassali
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Joaniter Nankabirwa
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Kiguli
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Butabika, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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7
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Mumaw C, Wu P, Yii CY, Yong SB. Comment on Impact of COVID-19 infection experience on mental health status of ICU patient's family members. QJM 2024; 117:385-386. [PMID: 38229256 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Mumaw
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - P Wu
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - C-Y Yii
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - S-B Yong
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (A.I.M.), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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8
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Guan D, Dave S, Ebrahim M, Laroche JA. Factors associated with childhood non-vaccination against COVID-19 in Canada: A national survey analysis. Vaccine X 2024; 18:100478. [PMID: 38572339 PMCID: PMC10988031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 vaccination efforts are critical in mitigating the impact of the virus, but despite proven safety and efficacy, vaccination rates among children in Canada are lower than in adults, prompting a need to explore determinants of childhood COVID-19 non-vaccination to improve uptake. Method This study analyzed data from the Canadian COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey 2022. Using multivariable logistic regression, it examined the association between COVID-19 non-vaccination among children aged 5-17 and factors such as parental sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB), and vaccination history. Results The analysis revealed that negative KAB towards vaccines, reflected in higher KAB composite scores, significantly increased the likelihood of non-vaccination. Additionally, factors such as lower household incomes, rural residence, employment in sectors not at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases, and younger parental age were associated with higher non-vaccination. The study also highlighted ethnic disparities in vaccination odds and found that children with incomplete routine vaccinations or inconsistent flu vaccination histories were more likely to be unvaccinated against COVID-19. Surprisingly, children of parents who consistently received flu vaccinations were more likely to be unvaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, parental education levels showed a complex relationship with children's COVID-19 vaccination status, indicating nuanced influences on vaccination decisions. Conclusion The findings offer vital insights into the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among children in Canada, suggesting avenues for targeted strategies to improve vaccine coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Guan
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sailly Dave
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marwa Ebrahim
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie A. Laroche
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Nada MG, Almalki YE, Basha MAA, Metwally MI, Dessouky R, Radwan MHSS, Zaitoun MMA, Abdalla AAEHM, Bessar AAA, Tantwy EF, Assy MM, Dawoud BM, Hanna D, Gohary MM, Alduraibi SK, Lduraibi AK, Eldib DB, Khater HM, Sarhan NT, Hamed DE, Saadawy SF, Huneif MA, Abdelkhalik Basha AM, Libda YI. Insights Into MRI Neuroimaging Patterns of COVID-19 in Children: A Retrospective Comprehensive Analysis. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2536-2549. [PMID: 38614828 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Neurological complications associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in children; however, data on neuroimaging findings remain limited. This study aimed to comprehensively examine neuroimaging patterns of COVID-19 in children and their relationship with clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study involved reviewing the medical records and MRI scans of 95 children who developed new neurological symptoms within 2-4 weeks of clinical and laboratory confirmation of COVID-19. Patients were categorized into four groups based on guidelines approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Initial brain/spinal MRI was performed. Images were reviewed by three blinded radiologists, and the findings were analyzed and categorized based on the observed patterns in the brain and spinal cord. Follow-up MRI was performed and analyzed to track lesion progression. RESULTS Encephalopathy was the most common neurological symptom (50.5%). The most common initial MRI involvement patterns were non-confluent multifocal hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions (36.8%) and ischemia (18.9%). Most patients who underwent follow-up MRI (n = 56) showed complete resolution (69.9%); however, some patients developed encephalomalacia and myelomalacia (23.2% and 7.1%, respectively). Non-confluent hyperintense WM lesions were associated with good outcomes (45.9%, P = 0.014), whereas ischemia and hemorrhage were associated with poor outcomes (44.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study revealed diverse neuroimaging patterns in pediatric COVID-19 patients. Non-confluent WM lesions were associated with good outcomes, whereas ischemia and hemorrhage were associated with poorer prognoses. Understanding these patterns is crucial for their early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Gamal Nada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yassir Edrees Almalki
- Division of Radiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maha Ibrahim Metwally
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Riham Dessouky
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed M A Zaitoun
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed A A Bessar
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Engy Fathy Tantwy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Mohamad Assy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Bassant Mahmoud Dawoud
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Diana Hanna
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Gohary
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sharifa Khalid Alduraibi
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa K Lduraibi
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Diaa Bakry Eldib
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hamada M Khater
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Noha T Sarhan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dina Esmat Hamed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sara F Saadawy
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Huneif
- Pediatric Department, Medical College, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yasmin Ibrahim Libda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Human Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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10
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Ebrahimi R, Nasri F, Kalantari T. Coagulation and Inflammation in COVID-19: Reciprocal Relationship between Inflammatory and Coagulation Markers. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1819-1831. [PMID: 38349409 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05630-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), formerly known as 2019-nCoV. Numerous cellular and biochemical issues arise after COVID-19 infection. The severe inflammation that is caused by a number of cytokines appears to be one of the key hallmarks of COVID-19. Additionally, people with severe COVID-19 have coagulopathy and fulminant thrombotic events. We briefly reviewed the COVID-19 disease at the beginning of this paper. The inflammation and coagulation markers and their alterations in COVID-19 illness are briefly discussed in the parts that follow. Next, we talked about NETosis, which is a crucial relationship between coagulation and inflammation. In the end, we mentioned the two-way relationship between inflammation and coagulation, as well as the factors involved in it. We suggest that inflammation and coagulation are integrated systems in COVID-19 that act on each other in such a way that not only inflammation can activate coagulation but also coagulation can activate inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Ebrahimi
- Division of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nasri
- Division of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Kalantari
- Division of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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11
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Noij L, Terheggen-Lagro S, Muselaers E, Whittaker E, Gosling J, Brackel C, Oostrom K, Alsem M. A Multidisciplinary Approach: Management and Rehabilitation of Children With Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Condition. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024:00006454-990000000-00881. [PMID: 38808972 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 condition in children is a still largely unknown syndrome with a diverse pattern of symptoms, which can have a major impact on daily life. Currently, there are no evidence-based proven treatments, and the focus is on symptom management and recovery of daily functioning. A multidisciplinary, tailored approach is recommended, with attention to energy management and activity building, where the main goal should be a return to baseline levels of cognitive, physical and social activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke Noij
- From the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers
| | - Suzanne Terheggen-Lagro
- From the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers
| | - Eefje Muselaers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Caroline Brackel
- From the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers
- Department of Pediatrics, Tergooi MC, Hilversum, The Netherland
| | - Kim Oostrom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam
| | - Mattijs Alsem
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Güneş M, Özdemir Ö. COVID-19 and cardiac complications: Myocarditis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. World J Cardiol 2024; 16:260-268. [PMID: 38817651 PMCID: PMC11135331 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i5.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus is an important pathogen causing disease in humans and animals. At the end of 2019, an investigation into an increase in pneumonia cases in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, found that the cause was a new coronavirus. This disease, which spread rapidly across China and caused an outbreak worldwide, resulted in a pandemic. Although this virus has previously been referred to as 2019-nCoV, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), later it was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Children were usually asymptomatic and rarely severely affected. In April 2020, reports from the United Kingdom indicated that children may have Kawasaki disease or a clinical condition similar to toxic shock syndrome. This clinical picture was later defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Since then, similarly affected children as well as cases with other cardiac complications have been reported in other parts of the world. In this review, we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 in terms of cardiac involvement by reviewing the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Güneş
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya, Adapazarı 54100, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Öner Özdemir
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya, Sakarya University Medical Faculty, Adapazarı 54100, Sakarya, Türkiye.
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13
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Kwaah B, Gruner WE, DeMarcus LS, Thervil JW, Jenkins WN, Castillo FM, Hartless TR, Heh VK, Muehleman D, Fries AC, Sjoberg PA, Evengue FE, Robbins AS. Surveillance outcomes of respiratory pathogen infections during the 2021-2022 season among U.S. Military Health System beneficiaries, October 3, 2021-October 1, 2022. MSMR 2024; 31:16-23. [PMID: 38857490 PMCID: PMC11208036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The Department of Defense Global Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Program conducts continuous surveillance for influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and other respiratory pathogens at 104 sentinel sites across the globe. These sites submitted 65,475 respiratory specimens for clinical diagnostic testing during the 2021-2022 surveillance season. The predominant influenza strain was influenza A(H3N2) (n=777), of which 99.9% of strains were in clade 3C.2a1b.2a2. A total of 21,466 SARSCoV-2-positive specimens were identified, and 12,225 of the associated viruses were successfully sequenced. The Delta variant predominated at the start of the season, until December 2021, when Omicron became dominant. Most circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses were subsequently held by Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5 during the season. Clinical manifestation, obtained through a self-reported questionnaire, found that cough, sinus congestion, and runny nose complaints were the most common symptoms presenting among all pathogens. Sentinel surveillance can provide useful epidemiological data to supplement other disease monitoring activities, and has become increasingly useful with increasing numbers of individuals utilizing COVID-19 rapid self-test kits and reductions in outpatient visits for routine respiratory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bismark Kwaah
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - William E Gruner
- JYG Innovations, LLC, Dayton, OH
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
| | - Laurie S DeMarcus
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Jeffrey W Thervil
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Whitney N Jenkins
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Fritz M Castillo
- Department of Pathology and Area Laboratory Services, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany
| | - Tamara R Hartless
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Victor K Heh
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Deanna Muehleman
- JYG Innovations, LLC, Dayton, OH
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
| | - Anthony C Fries
- U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
| | - Paul A Sjoberg
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
- Innovative Element, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
| | - Fabrice E Evengue
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
| | - Anthony S Robbins
- U.S. Defense Health Agency Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division Air Force Satellite-U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
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14
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Mentor G, Farrar DS, Di Chiara C, Dufour MSK, Valois S, Taillefer S, Drouin O, Renaud C, Kakkar F. The Effect of Age and Comorbidities: Children vs. Adults in Their Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:801. [PMID: 38793682 PMCID: PMC11126068 DOI: 10.3390/v16050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
While children have experienced less severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after SARS-CoV-2 infection than adults, the cause of this remains unclear. The objective of this study was to describe the humoral immune response to COVID-19 in child vs. adult household contacts, and to identify predictors of the response over time. In this prospective cohort study, children with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (index case) were recruited along with their adult household contacts. Serum IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 spike proteins were compared between children and adults at 6 and 12 months after infection. A total of 91 participants (37 adults and 54 children) from 36 families were enrolled. Overall, 78 (85.7%) participants were seropositive for anti-S1/S2 IgG antibody at 6 months following infection; this was higher in children than in adults (92.6% vs. 75.7%) (p = 0.05). Significant predictors of a lack of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were age ≥ 25 vs. < 12 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, p = 0.04), presence of comorbidities (vs. none, adjusted OR = 0.23, p = 0.03), and immunosuppression (vs. immunocompetent, adjusted OR = 0.17, p = 0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Girlande Mentor
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (G.M.); (O.D.)
| | - Daniel S. Farrar
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada (C.D.C.)
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada (C.D.C.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1E8, Canada
| | - Mi-Suk Kang Dufour
- Unité de Recherche Clinique Appliqué, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Silvie Valois
- Centre D’infectiologie Mère-Enfant, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (S.V.)
| | - Suzanne Taillefer
- Centre D’infectiologie Mère-Enfant, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (S.V.)
| | - Olivier Drouin
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (G.M.); (O.D.)
| | - Christian Renaud
- Département de Microbiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (G.M.); (O.D.)
- Centre D’infectiologie Mère-Enfant, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (S.V.)
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15
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Lababidi G, Lababidi H, Bitar F, Arabi M. COVID-19 Vaccines in the Pediatric Population: A Focus on Cardiac Patients. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2024; 2024:2667033. [PMID: 38779616 PMCID: PMC11111306 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2667033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to the deleterious global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tremendous effort has been invested in the development of vaccines against the virus. Vaccine candidates are first tested in adult populations, a number of which have been approved for EUL by the WHO, and are in use across the USA and MENA region. The question remains whether these (or other) vaccines should be recommended to a neonatal, pediatric, and/or adolescent cohort. Incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection are low in pediatric, neonatal, and adolescent patients. Since both overall incidence and severity are lower in children than in adults, safety is an important consideration in vaccine approval for these age groups, in addition to efficacy and a decreased risk of transmission. The following review discusses vaccine immunology in children aged 0-18 years, with emphasis on the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of children, considerations for pediatric vaccine approval, and available vaccines for pediatric cohorts along with a breakdown of the efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages for each. This review also contains current and future perspectives, as well as a section on the cardiovascular implications and related dynamics of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghena Lababidi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hossam Lababidi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi Bitar
- Children's Heart Center, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Arabi
- Children's Heart Center, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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16
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Qaqish A, Abbas MM, Alkhateeb M, Al-Tamimi M, Mustafa M, Al-Shudifat AE, Tarawneh S, Dawoud R, Mryyian A, Al-Ajaleen M. Anti_spike and anti_nucleocapsid IgG responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children of Jordan. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30631. [PMID: 38765100 PMCID: PMC11101777 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is proven that children have significantly milder COVID-19 disease compared to adults. Various immunological characteristics influence this age-related difference in protection against COVID-19. Pediatric COVID-19 in Jordan is extremely under reported. Objectives The primary goal of this work is to identify the anti_S and anti_N antibody responses in a random group of children in Jordan and compare it to that of naturally infected-unvaccinated adults. Methods 151 unvaccinated children, 4 days to 18 years old, were screened for anti_S and anti_N antibodies. History of COVID-19 infection or exposure to infection and symptom severity were reported by parents on a special questionnaire. Results 78.9 % and 65.3 % of participants were seropositive for anti_S IgG and anti_N Abs, respectively. There was a remarkable association between age and anti_S IgG and anti_N IgG antibody titers, as children aged 12 years or older had increased anti_S IgG titers (mean = 19.3 BAU/mL) compared to younger groups (means of 10.15, 9.24, 7.91 BAU/mL for age groups 6-12, 1-6, less than 1 year, respectively). Gender did not show a statistically important role in anti_S and anti_N IgG seropositivity rates or titers. Children displayed significantly elevated anti_S titers (mean = 13.23 BAU/mL) compared to naturally infected adults (mean = 9.72 BAU/mL), in contrast, adults' anti_N titers (mean = 39.64 U/mL) were significantly higher compared to those of children (mean = 10.77 U/mL). Conclusions The current work provides evidence of distinctly robust and persistent humoral immunity displayed by high anti_S and anti_N IgG in children, even >12 months post-infection. Age was the only factor that had a significant statistical impact on anti_S and anti_N Ab levels among the pediatric group in this study. Children exhibited significantly higher anti_S titers than naturally infected adults. In contrast, adults' anti_N titers were significantly higher. Such information can assist direct pediatric SARS-CoV-2 immunization programs, with implications for creating age-targeted strategies for diagnostic and population protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Qaqish
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Applied Genomics, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Manal Mohammad Abbas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alkhateeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Al-Tamimi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Minas Mustafa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Ellah Al-Shudifat
- Department of Internal and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Shahd Tarawneh
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Rand Dawoud
- Institute for Family Health, King Hussein Foundation, Amman, Jordan
| | - Amel Mryyian
- Department of Pediatrics, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Mu'ath Al-Ajaleen
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Louka M, Tatsi EB, Vassiliu S, Theoharis G, Straka K, Filippatos F, Dourdouna MM, Siahanidou T, Syriopoulou V, Michos A. The Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor as a Severity Biomarker in Children With Acute COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:477-482. [PMID: 38251905 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been associated with a poor prognosis in serious infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of suPAR in children with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). METHODS Serum suPAR was measured using the suPARnostic AUTO Flex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in hospitalized children with COVID-19, MIS-C, bacterial pneumonia, and healthy controls. RESULTS A total of 211 children with a mean (±SD) age of 6.9 ± 4.96 years were tested; with COVID-19: 59 (28%), MIS-C: 36 (17%), pneumonia: 78 (37%) and healthy controls: 38 (18%). In the acute phase, the levels of suPAR (mean ± SD) were: MIS-C: 8.11 ± 2.80 ng/mL, COVID-19: 4.91 ± 1.90 ng/mL, pneumonia: 4.25 ± 1.44 ng/mL and controls: 2.09 ± 0.47 ng/mL ( P < 0.001). Children with acute COVID-19 and a severe or moderate clinical presentation had higher values than those with mild symptoms: 5.79 ± 1.58 versus 5.40 ± 1.94 versus 3.19 ± 0.73 ng/mL, respectively ( P < 0.001). In the MIS-C group, children hospitalized in the intensive care unit and in need of mechanical ventilation had higher suPAR than those who were not admitted to an intensive care unit: 9.32 ± 3.06 versus 7.13 ± 2.19 ng/mL, respectively ( P = 0.023). In children with COVID-19 or MIS-C, a correlation was detected between suPAR values and length of hospitalization ( rs = 0.418, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that suPAR may be a valuable biomarker of disease severity in children with COVID-19 or MIS-C. This could facilitate the identification of children in need of intensive anti-inflammatory treatment, as it has been shown in adults with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Louka
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - Elizabeth Barbara Tatsi
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Vassiliu
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - George Theoharis
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - Kalliopi Straka
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Filippos Filippatos
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - Maria Myrto Dourdouna
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - Tania Siahanidou
- Neonatal Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Syriopoulou
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
| | - Athanasios Michos
- From the First Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens Greece
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Yeoh S, Estrada-Rivadeneyra D, Jackson H, Keren I, Galassini R, Cooray S, Shah P, Agyeman P, Basmaci R, Carrol E, Emonts M, Fink C, Kuijpers T, Martinon-Torres F, Mommert-Tripon M, Paulus S, Pokorn M, Rojo P, Romani L, Schlapbach L, Schweintzger N, Shen CF, Tsolia M, Usuf E, van der Flier M, Vermont C, von Both U, Yeung S, Zavadska D, Coin L, Cunnington A, Herberg J, Levin M, Kaforou M, Hamilton S. Plasma Protein Biomarkers Distinguish Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children From Other Pediatric Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:444-453. [PMID: 38359342 PMCID: PMC11003410 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious hyperinflammatory complication following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The mechanisms underpinning the pathophysiology of MIS-C are poorly understood. Moreover, clinically distinguishing MIS-C from other childhood infectious and inflammatory conditions, such as Kawasaki disease or severe bacterial and viral infections, is challenging due to overlapping clinical and laboratory features. We aimed to determine a set of plasma protein biomarkers that could discriminate MIS-C from those other diseases. METHODS Seven candidate protein biomarkers for MIS-C were selected based on literature and from whole blood RNA sequencing data from patients with MIS-C and other diseases. Plasma concentrations of ARG1, CCL20, CD163, CORIN, CXCL9, PCSK9 and ADAMTS2 were quantified in MIS-C (n = 22), Kawasaki disease (n = 23), definite bacterial (n = 28) and viral (n = 27) disease and healthy controls (n = 8). Logistic regression models were used to determine the discriminatory ability of individual proteins and protein combinations to identify MIS-C and association with severity of illness. RESULTS Plasma levels of CD163, CXCL9 and PCSK9 were significantly elevated in MIS-C with a combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 76.6%-94.8%) for discriminating MIS-C from other childhood diseases. Lower ARG1 and CORIN plasma levels were significantly associated with severe MIS-C cases requiring inotropes, pediatric intensive care unit admission or with shock. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of a host protein biomarker signature for MIS-C and may provide new insight into its pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophya Yeoh
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Diego Estrada-Rivadeneyra
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Jackson
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilana Keren
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
| | | | - Samantha Cooray
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Priyen Shah
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Agyeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Romain Basmaci
- Service de Pédiatrie-Urgences, AP-HP, Hôpital Louis-Mourier, Colombes, France
- Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, IAME, Paris, France
| | - Enitan Carrol
- Department of Clinical Infection Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marieke Emonts
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology Department, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Great North Children’s Hospital
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Fink
- Micropathology Ltd., University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Taco Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre
- Sanquin Research, Department of Blood Cell Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Federico Martinon-Torres
- Translational Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
- Genetics, Vaccines and Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Stephane Paulus
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marko Pokorn
- Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pablo Rojo
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatric Department, Hospital Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorenza Romani
- Infectious Disease Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luregn Schlapbach
- Department of Intensive Care and Neonatology, Children’s Research Center, University Children`s Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nina Schweintzger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of General Pediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ching-Fen Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Maria Tsolia
- Second Department of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), School of Medicine, P. and A. Kyriakou Children’s Hospital, Athina, Athens, Greece
| | - Effua Usuf
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Clementien Vermont
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dace Zavadska
- Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Rīga, Latvia
| | - Lachlan Coin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aubrey Cunnington
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jethro Herberg
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Levin
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myrsini Kaforou
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shea Hamilton
- From the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Marino A, Cacciaguerra G, Spampinato S, Palermo M, Biasco A, Liotta E, Cocuzza S, Venanzi Rullo E, Nunnari G, Pavone P. SARS-CoV-2 associated unilateral parotitis in children: A case report and literature review. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:83. [PMID: 38628628 PMCID: PMC11019641 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection usually affects the respiratory system; however, a number of atypical manifestations of this disease have also been reported, especially in children. The present study reports a case of a 12-year-old presenting with right unilateral parotitis and sialadenitis and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The young patient, after a 3-day history of fever, was brought to our clinic (Polyclinic University Hospital 'G. Rodolico', Catania, Italy) for the sudden onset of unilateral parotitis accompanied by sialadenitis and hyperaemia of the skin, which was tender to touch. The SARS-CoV-2 molecular swab was positive; the ultrasound of the affected region showed an increase in the volume of the parotid and sublingual gland and reactive lymph nodes compatible with parotitis and sialadenitis. This case suggests that, in the present Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 should be included in the differential diagnosis of parotitis and sialadenitis along with mumps and flue. Notably, a respiratory panel and serology for other potential causes are needed in case of parotitis-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cacciaguerra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Monica Palermo
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, Radiology Unit 1, University of Catania, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Arturo Biasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Liotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, ENT Section, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
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20
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Giatraki V, Galanakis E, Perdikogianni C. Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Polymorphisms in COVID-19 Risk and Severity in Children: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e61326. [PMID: 38947671 PMCID: PMC11213648 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of vitamin D in the susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease has been investigated since the beginning of the pandemic, but there is still scarce data on children. We investigated the impact of vitamin D status and the related genetic variants on COVID-19 vulnerability and severity of the disease in children. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to identify reports on vitamin D status and genetic polymorphisms, their association with the susceptibility of children to COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and the effect of supplementation on the clinical course. Of an initial total of 279 articles, 26 studies, published between September 2020 and May 2023, were finally included in this review according to inclusion criteria. Quantitative data provided by 11 studies revealed that 43.05% of pediatric COVID-19 patients had low vitamin D levels. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were observed to be significantly low in COVID-19 cases, with an estimated pooled mean value of 17 ng/mL, as provided by 16 studies. Vitamin D deficiency and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI polymorphism may suggest independent risk factors for susceptibility to COVID-19 in the pediatric population. The 25(OH)D level may constitute a significant biomarker associated with the COVID-19 severity and MIS-C. While supplementation of COVID-19 cases with vitamin D showed favorable results, the effect on the outcome of the disease remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Giatraki
- Department of Paediatrics & Laboratory of Child Health, Medical School University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Emmanouil Galanakis
- Department of Paediatrics & Laboratory of Child Health, Medical School University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
| | - Chrysoula Perdikogianni
- Department of Paediatrics & Laboratory of Child Health, Medical School University of Crete, Heraklion, GRC
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21
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Lin F, Jiang DJ, Zhang S, Yang Z, Zeng HS, Liu ZP, Yang LY. Critically ill children with SARS-COV-2 Omicron infection at a national children medical center, Guangdong, China. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:254. [PMID: 38622552 PMCID: PMC11017605 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04735-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection is described as asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease in most children. SARS-CoV-2 infection related death in children and adolescents is rare according to the current reports. COVID-19 cases increased significantly in China during the omicron surge, clinical data regarding pediatric critical patients infected with the omicron variant is limited. In this study, we aim to provide an overview of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill children admitted to a national children's medical center in Guangdong Province, China, during the outbreak of the omicron variant infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study from November 25, 2022, to February 8, 2023, which included 63 critically ill children, under the age of 18, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were referred from medical institutions of Guangdong province. The medical records of these patients were analyzed and summarized. RESULTS The median age of patients was 2 years (Interquartile Range, IQR: 1.0-8.0), sex-ratio (male/female) was 1.52. 12 (19%) patients (age ≥ 3 years) were vaccinated. The median length of hospital stay was 14 days (IQR: 6.5-23) in 63 cases, and duration of fever was 5 days (IQR: 3-8.5), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay was 8 days (IQR 4.0-14.0) in 57 cases. 30 (48%) cases had clear contact history with family members who were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Three children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection did not show any abnormalities on chest imaging examination. Out of the total patients, 33 (52%) had a bacterial co-infection, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly detected bacterial pathogen. Our cohort exhibited respiratory and nervous system involvement as the primary features. Furthermore, fifty (79%) patients required mechanical ventilation, with a median duration of 7 days (IQR 3.75-13.0). Among these patients, 35 (56%) developed respiratory failure, 16 (25%) patients experienced a deteriorating progression of symptoms and ultimately succumbed to the illness, septic shock was the most common condition among these patients (15 cases), followed by multiple organ failure in 12 cases, and encephalopathy identified in 7 cases. CONCLUSION We present a case series of critically ill children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. While there is evidence suggesting that Omicron may cause less severe symptoms, it is important to continue striving for measures that can minimize the pathogenic impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Lin
- Precision Medical Lab Center, Chaozhou Central Hospital, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Dao-Ju Jiang
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Chaozhou Central Hospital, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Hua-Song Zeng
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Precision Medical Lab Center, Chaozhou Central Hospital, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ye Yang
- Precision Medical Lab Center, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, No.42 Dongshan Road, Jiangcheng District, Yangjiang, 529500, Guangdong Province, P. R. China.
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22
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Pastor R, Puyssegur J, de la Guardia MP, Varón LS, Beccaglia G, Spada N, de Lima AP, Collado MS, Blanco A, Scetti IA, Arabolaza ME, Paoli B, Chirdo F, Arana E. Role of germinal center and CD39 highCD73 + B cells in the age-related tonsillar involution. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:24. [PMID: 38610048 PMCID: PMC11010345 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tonsils operate as a protection ring of mucosa at the gates of the upper aero-digestive tract. They show similarities with lymph nodes and participate as inductive organs of systemic and mucosal immunity. Based on the reduction of their size since puberty, they are thought to experience involution in adulthood. In this context, we have used tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMC) isolated from patients at different stages of life, to study the effect of ageing and the concomitant persistent inflammation on these immune cells. RESULTS We found an age-dependent reduction in the proportion of germinal center B cell population (BGC) and its T cell counterpart (T follicular helper germinal center cells, TfhGC). Also, we demonstrated an increment in the percentage of local memory B cells and mantle zone T follicular helper cells (mTfh). Furthermore, younger tonsils rendered higher proportion of proliferative immune cells within the freshly isolated TMC fraction than those from older ones. We demonstrated the accumulation of a B cell subset (CD20+CD39highCD73+ cells) metabolically adapted to catabolize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as patients get older. To finish, tonsillar B cells from patients at different ages did not show differences in their proliferative response to stimulation ex vivo, in bulk TMC cultures. CONCLUSIONS This paper sheds light on the changing aspects of the immune cellular landscape, over the course of time and constant exposure, at the entrance of the respiratory and digestive systems. Our findings support the notion that there is a re-modelling of the immune functionality of the excised tonsils over time. They are indicative of a transition from an effector type of immune response, typically oriented to reduce pathogen burden early in life, to the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment at later stages, when tissue damage control gets critical provided the time passed under immune attack. Noteworthy, when isolated from such histologic microenvironment, older tonsillar B cells seem to level their proliferation capacity with the younger ones. Understanding these features will not only contribute to comprehend the differences in susceptibility to pathogens among children and adults but would also impact on vaccine developments intended to target these relevant mucosal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Pastor
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Institute of Immunological and Physiopathological studies (IIFP), University of La Plata (UNLP), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juliana Puyssegur
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - M Paula de la Guardia
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Lindybeth Sarmiento Varón
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Gladys Beccaglia
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Spada
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Paes de Lima
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Soledad Collado
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Andrés Blanco
- Institute of Otolaryngology Arauz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - M Elena Arabolaza
- Pediatric Otolaryngology Division, Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bibiana Paoli
- Pediatric Otolaryngology Division, Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Chirdo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Institute of Immunological and Physiopathological studies (IIFP), University of La Plata (UNLP), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Eloísa Arana
- Institute of Immunology, Genetics and Metabolism (INIGEM), Clinical Hospital 'José de San Martín', University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Av Córdoba 2351, C1120AAF, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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23
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Hilberath J, Mast AS, Holweg M, Kränkel L, Remppis J, Renk H, Lang P, Schulte J, Fuchs J, Slavetinsky C. Quality of life and healthcare utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic are more restricted in chronically ill than in healthy children: a tertiary care children's hospital experience. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1801-1810. [PMID: 38253757 PMCID: PMC11001739 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic forced changes in everyday life of children and adolescents due to government containment measures, an altered healthcare accessibility and utilization, and public concern about SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Data on the challenges and impact on children and their families with chronic diseases are limited. The primary objectives of this study were to assess (i) concerns for SARS-CoV-2 infection, (ii) perceived effects on health-related and overall quality of life (HRQoL and QoL), and (iii) accessibility and utilization of healthcare, comparing families with chronically ill children to families with healthy children during the second SARS-CoV-2 infection wave in Germany. A caregiver questionnaire was designed and participation offered in the emergency department and outpatient clinic of a German tertiary care children's hospital. 45.9% of the 205 participants were majorly concerned about their children contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Caregivers of chronically ill children (128/205, 62.4%) stated significantly more often a negative impact on their child's QoL (w = 0.17; p = 0.014), while caregivers of chronically ill adolescents over the age of 13 expressed significantly more frequent a negative impact on their child's HRQoL (w = 0.21; p = 0.016). Outpatient appointments for chronically ill children were significantly more often canceled (w = 0.17; p = 0.025). Caregivers of chronically ill children were significantly more likely to report that they would actively delay hospital visits for emerging health issues due to the pandemic (w = 0.12; p = 0.049). Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of identifying families with chronically ill children as a vulnerable patient group with higher burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential future pandemics. Healthcare providers may mitigate such burdens by ensuring reliable appointment allocation, offering contactless healthcare options, and providing tailored advice regarding vulnerabilities and preventive measures specific to their chronically ill children. What is Known: • The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to significant restrictions in everyday life and both accessibility and utilization of healthcare for children and adolescents. • Chronically ill children faced exceptional challenges as they depend on regular and functioning medical care, but data comparing the pandemic's impact between chronically ill and healthy children are lacking. What is New: • The perceived impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on quality of life is more negative for chronically ill children and their health-related quality of life is more often affected compared to healthy children. • Caregivers of chronically ill children would more often delay a visit to their child's doctor during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and their medical appointments are more often postponed which both could increase health burdens for such vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hilberath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Mast
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Holweg
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lara Kränkel
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Remppis
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hanna Renk
- University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Schulte
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Slavetinsky
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Shhada E, Hamdar H, Nahle AA, Mourad D, Khalil B, Ali S. Clinical presentation and management of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with covid-19: a retrospective observational descriptive study in a pediatric hospital in Syria. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:322. [PMID: 38491367 PMCID: PMC10943909 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09197-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 is a rare and serious medical condition. This study aims to review the clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, outcomes, and management of MIS-C cases in a pediatric hospital in Syria. METHODS This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate MIS-C between May 2020 and October 2021. Data collection involved extracting information from medical records, and patients were identified based on the case definition established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Various laboratory investigations, diagnostic evaluations, clinical presentations, and treatments were performed to assess patients. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS A total of 232 COVID-19 cases were reported with COVID-19 Infection. Among these cases, 25 (10.77%) were identified as MIS-C. The median age of the patients was 5.5 years, with the majority being male patients (72%). Patients experienced fever (100%), bilateral conjunctivitis (88%), rash (84%), gastrointestinal symptoms (76%), and cardiac dysfunction (72%). Other notable findings included oral cavity changes (64%), edema (36%), cervical lymphadenopathy (36%), and neurological manifestations (28%). Respiratory symptoms were uncommon (16%). All patients recovered, with no recorded deaths. CONCLUSION The predominant presence of positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the majority of patients in this study supports the post-infectious nature of MIS-C. Respiratory symptoms were less prevalent in both pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C patients. Early supportive care is crucial in management, although additional research is needed to establish definitive guidelines. Larger studies are necessary to overcome the limitations of this study and to enhance our understanding of MIS-C in pediatric COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Shhada
- Pediatric Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Hussein Hamdar
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | | | - Diana Mourad
- Pediatric Department, Children's Damascus University Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Basheer Khalil
- Rheumatology Pediatric Department, Children's Damascus University Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sawssan Ali
- Pulmonary Pediatrics Department, Children's Damascus University Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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25
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Bougmiza I, Selim N. From classrooms to controllers: how school closures shaped children's video gaming habits. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z. [PMID: 38472654 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on screen time and video gaming habits among governmental school students in Qatar and explore the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within this context. METHODS A cross-sectional approach was employed, spanning two months from June to August 2022. A random sample of students aged 8-15 years was drawn from the national electronic health record system of Qatar. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted to collect data. The Parental Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (PIGDS) was used for IGD assessment. RESULTS Of 428 parents, 257 (60%) confirmed their child's engagement in video gaming during school closures. Participants averaged 11 years in age with 92 (35.8%) females and 165 (64.2%) males. Nationality included 62.6% expatriates and 37.4% Qatari locals. Average weekly screen time increased significantly from 19.7 ± 10.1 h to 31.9 ± 12.6 h during closure (p < 0.001). Video gaming time rose from 8.6 ± 8.6 h to 13.0 ± 12.4 h per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of IGD was 8.6% (95% CI 5.4-12.7). Male students, expatriates, and those reporting increased video gaming time were more likely to develop IGD than their female and local counterparts. CONCLUSION The observed associations between video gaming increase and IGD highlight the need for focused interventions to address potential risks and promote healthier digital habits among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
- Clinical Effectiveness Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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26
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Sorotzky M, Raphael A, Breuer A, Odeh M, Gillis R, Gillis M, Shibli R, Fiszlinski J, Algur N, Magen S, Megged O, Schlesinger Y, Mendelovich J, Weiser G, Berliner E, Barak-Corren Y, Heiman E. Jerusalem's CoVID-19 Experience-The Effect of Ethnicity on Disease Prevalence and Adherence to Testing. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01965-7. [PMID: 38457104 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic depends amongst other factors on disease prevalence in the general population. The gap between the true rate of infection and the detected rate of infection may vary, especially between sub-groups of the population. Identifying subpopulations with high rates of undetected infection can guide authorities to direct resource distribution in order to improve health equity. METHODS A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted between April and July 2021 in the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. We compared three categories: unconfirmed disease (UD), positive serology test result with no history of positive PCR; confirmed disease (CD), history of a positive PCR test result, regardless of serology test result; and no disease (ND), negative serology and no history of PCR. These categories were applied to local prevailing subpopulations: ultra-orthodox Jews (UO), National Religious Jews (NRJ), secular Jews (SJ), and Muslim Arabs (MA). RESULTS Comparing the different subpopulations groups, MAs and UOs had the greatest rate of confirmed or unconfirmed disease. MA had the highest rate of UD and UO had the highest rate of CD. UD significantly correlated with ethnicity, with a low prevalence in NRJ and SJ. UD was also associated with larger family size and housing density defined as family size per number of rooms. CONCLUSION This study highlights the effect of ethnicity on disease burden. These findings should serve to heighten awareness to disease burden in weaker populations and direct a suitable prevention program to each subpopulation's needs. Early awareness and possible intervention may lower morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sorotzky
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Allon Raphael
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adin Breuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ma'aran Odeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roni Gillis
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Gillis
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roaia Shibli
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judith Fiszlinski
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nurit Algur
- Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sophie Magen
- Clinical Endocrinology Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orli Megged
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yechiel Schlesinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Mendelovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giora Weiser
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elihay Berliner
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Barak-Corren
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Predictive Medicine Group, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Eyal Heiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Shmuel Bait St, PO Box 3235, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Dembiński Ł, Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk U, Toporowska-Kowalska E, Walkowiak J, Gładysiewicz B, Dądalski M, Korczowski B, Czkwianianc E, Zagierski M, Jarocka-Cyrta E, Soroczyńska-Wrzyszcz A, Pytrus T, Krawiec P, Banaszkiewicz A. Pediatric endoscopy in times of pandemic: A nationwide retrospective analysis. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:396-400. [PMID: 38246113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure that carries an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection to medical staff. In patients, COVID-19 is a risk factor for adverse events of medical procedures. This study analyzed the real-life risk of, and factors contributing to, infection transmission to endoscopic personnel, and possible adverse events of the endoscopy procedure and anesthesia in children with COVID-19. METHODS Nationwide retrospective analysis of medical records of children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy in Poland between February 2020 and February 2022. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients were included in the analysis, 35% of whom had COVID-19 symptoms at the time of endoscopy. The dominant indications for endoscopy were foreign body or corrosive substance ingestion and gastrointestinal bleeding. Nine cases of virus transmission were registered among endoscopic personnel. In all of these cases, the endoscopy team was unaware of the patient's infection (p < 0.01), although symptoms were present in 78% of the children. Lack of use of personal protective equipment was the strongest predictor of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (p < 0.01). The risk of infection was not statistically significantly dependent on the method of anesthesia, intubation or the type of endoscopy. No statistically significant correlation was found between symptomatic infection and adverse events of endoscopy or anesthesia occurrence. There was one reported anesthesia-related adverse event involving extubation difficulties due to worsening respiratory infection symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to endoscopic personnel during procedures in children is low and depends on compliance with infection prevention and control measures. Performing gastrointestinal endoscopy in children with COVID-19 does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Dembiński
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Ewa Toporowska-Kowalska
- Department of Pediatric Allergology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jarosław Walkowiak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Beata Gładysiewicz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pediatrics Clinic, Regional Polyclinical Hospital, Kielce, Poland
| | - Maciej Dądalski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Feeding Disorders and Pediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Korczowski
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Czkwianianc
- Department of Gastroenterology, Allergology and Pediatrics, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Zagierski
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Allergology and Nutrition, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jarocka-Cyrta
- Department of Clinical Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Provincial Specialist Children's Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Pytrus
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Krawiec
- Department of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Kemerley A, Gupta A, Thirunavukkarasu M, Maloney M, Burgwardt S, Maulik N. COVID-19 Associated Cardiovascular Disease-Risks, Prevention and Management: Heart at Risk Due to COVID-19. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1904-1920. [PMID: 38534740 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) virus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic have had devastating and lasting impact on the global population. Although the main target of the disease is the respiratory tract, clinical outcomes, and research have also shown significant effects of infection on other organ systems. Of interest in this review is the effect of the virus on the cardiovascular system. Complications, including hyperinflammatory syndrome, myocarditis, and cardiac failure, have been documented in the context of COVID-19 infection. These complications ultimately contribute to worse patient outcomes, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Importantly and interestingly, reports have demonstrated that COVID-19 also causes myocardial injury in adults without pre-existing conditions and contributes to systemic complications in pediatric populations, such as the development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Although there is still a debate over the exact mechanisms by which such complications arise, understanding the potential paths by which the virus can influence the cardiovascular system to create an inflammatory environment may clarify how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human physiology. In addition to describing the mechanisms of disease propagation and patient presentation, this review discusses the diagnostic findings and treatment strategies and the evolution of management for patients presenting with cardiovascular complications, focusing on disease treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kemerley
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Mahesh Thirunavukkarasu
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Monica Maloney
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Sean Burgwardt
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Nilanjana Maulik
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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Romani L, Roversi M, Bernardi S, Venturini E, Garazzino S, Donà D, Krzysztofiak A, Montagnani C, Funiciello E, Calò Carducci FI, Marabotto C, Castagnola E, Salvini F, Lancella L, Lo Vecchio A, Galli L, Castelli Gattinara G. Use of Remdesivir in children with COVID-19: report of an Italian multicenter study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:32. [PMID: 38413992 PMCID: PMC10900665 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is generally milder in children than in adults, however severe infection has been described in some patients. Few data are available on use of Remdesivir (RDV) in children, as most clinical trials focused on adult patients. We report a multicenter study conducted in 10 Italian Hospitals to investigate the safety of RDV in children affected by COVID-19. METHODS We collected the clinical data of children with COVID-19 treated with RDV between March 2020 and February 2022 in 10 Italian hospitals. Clinical data were compared according to a duration of RDV therapy more or less than 5 days. Linear regression model was used to determine the association of significant variables from the bivariate analysis to the duration of RDV therapy. RESULTS A total of 50 patients were included, with a median age of 12.8 years. Many patients had at least one comorbidity (78%), mostly obesity. Symptoms were fever (88%), cough (74%) and dyspnea (68%). Most patients were diagnosed with pneumonia of either viral and/or bacterial etiology. Blood test showed leukopenia in 66% and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in 63% of cases. Thirty-six patients received RDV for 5 days, nine patients up to 10 days. Most children who received RDV longer were admitted to the PICU (67%). Treatment with RDV was well tolerated with rare side effects: bradycardia was recorded in 6% of cases, solved in less than 24 h after discontinuation. A mild elevation of transaminases was observed in 26% of cases, however for the 8%, it was still detected before the RDV administration. Therefore, in these cases, we could not establish if it was caused by COVID-19, RDV o both. Patients who received RDV for more than 5 days waited longer for its administration after pneumonia diagnosis. The presence of comorbidities and the duration of O2 administration significantly correlated with the duration of RDV therapy at the linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION Our experience indicates that RDV against SARS-CoV-2 is safe and well-tolerated in pediatric populations at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. Our data suggest that delaying RDV therapy after diagnosis of pneumonia may be associated with a longer duration of antiviral therapy, especially in patients with comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Romani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Roversi
- PhD Course "Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology", University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Garazzino
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Funiciello
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Marabotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Castagnola
- Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Filippo Salvini
- Pediatrics Division, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Lancella
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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30
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Luo C, Chen W, Cai J, He Y. The mechanisms of milder clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in children compared to adults. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:28. [PMID: 38355623 PMCID: PMC10865718 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01587-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In stark contrast to adult patients, children who contract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) typically manifest milder symptoms or remain asymptomatic. However, the precise underlying mechanisms of this pathogenesis remain elusive. In this review, we primarily retrospect the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and explore the factors that may contribute to the typically milder clinical presentation in pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compare with adults patients with COVID-19. The pathophysiological mechanisms that mitigate lung injury in children are as follows: the expression level of ACE2 receptor in children is lower; the binding affinity between ACE2 receptors and viral spike proteins in children was weaker; children have strong pre-activated innate immune response and appropriate adaptive immune response; children have more natural lymphocytes; children with COVID-19 can produce higher levels of IgM, IgG and interferon; children infected with SARS-CoV-2 can produce lower levels of IL-6 and IL-10; children have fewer underlying diseases and the lower risk of worsening COVID-19; children are usually exposed to other respiratory viruses and have an enhanced cross-reactive immunity. Comprehending the relative contributions of these processes to the protective phenotype in the developing lungs can help in the diagnosis, treatment and research pertaining to children with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyin Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 28 Qiaozhong Middle Road, Liwan District, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanwen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 28 Qiaozhong Middle Road, Liwan District, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junying Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 28 Qiaozhong Middle Road, Liwan District, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuwen He
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 28 Qiaozhong Middle Road, Liwan District, 510120, Guangzhou, China.
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Ambalavanan R, Snead RS, Marczika J, Malioukis A. Epidemiological contemplation for a currently pragmatic COVID-19 health passport: a perspective. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1347623. [PMID: 38414904 PMCID: PMC10896918 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of people around the world. Confinement measures aim to reduce the epidemic's spread and minimize the burden of morbidity and mortality. In response to the challenges caused by the pandemic, digital health passports have been developed exponentially. We highlight the latent epidemiological barriers to health passports to achieve standardized digital care platforms. This review paper not only highlights the epidemiological barriers but also articulates the possible infrastructure required to make the International Standard for a multi-factor authenticated and validated health passport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Ambalavanan
- Research Department, The Self Research Institute, Broken Arrow, OK, United States
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Sarı E, Erdede Ö. Comparison of Eosinophil Counts in Inflammatory Conditions: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, Kawasaki Disease, and Infectious Mononucleosis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:204. [PMID: 38397316 PMCID: PMC10887273 DOI: 10.3390/children11020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the distinctions between multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019, Kawasaki disease, and infectious mononucleosis. These three inflammatory disorders have commonalities according to clinical and laboratory results, particularly in relation to eosinophil levels. In this retrospective, single-center study, we documented the examination records (acute phase reactants and complete blood count) and clinical and cardiological findings of 130 patients diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and infectious mononucleosis. These patients were treated and received follow-up care in our hospital from March 12, 2020, to September 13, 2022, as per the hospital records. Statistical analyses were performed using NCSS 2007, version 1 software. Eosinopenia was more prevalent in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome than in those with Kawasaki disease, who showed normal or elevated eosinophil counts. The eosinophil counts in patients with infectious mononucleosis typically fell within the normal range. Our study found no correlation between the eosinophil counts and cardiac involvement in pediatric patients with either condition. These findings indicate a higher prevalence of eosinopenia in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, irrespective of cardiac involvement, than in those with Kawasaki disease. Despite similarities in clinical findings, Kawasaki disease and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children necessitate further studies for distinct characteristic elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Sarı
- Department of Pediatrics, Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children’s Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34668, Turkey;
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Khojasteh-Kaffash S, Parhizkar Roudsari P, Ghaffari Jolfayi A, Samieefar N, Rezaei N. Pediatric asthma exacerbation and COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts, challenges, and future considerations. J Asthma 2024; 61:81-91. [PMID: 37610180 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2023.2251062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma, a common disease among children and adolescents, poses a great health risk when ignored; therefore, a thorough follow-up to prevent exacerbations is emphasized. The aim of the present study is to investigate asthma exacerbation in children during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. DATA SOURCES This narrative review has been done by searching the PubMed and Embase databases using Asthma, COVID-19, Pandemic, and Symptom flare up as keywords. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies related to asthma exacerbation in COVID-19 pandemic were included. RESULTS Based on studies, controlled or mild to moderate asthma has not been considered a risk factor for COVID-19 severity and has not affected hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Surprisingly, emergent and non-emergent visits and asthmatic attacks decreased during the pandemic. The three main reasons for decreased incidence and exacerbation of asthma episodes in the COVID-19 era included reduced exposure to environmental allergens, increasing the acceptance of treatment by pediatrics and caregivers, and decreased risk of other respiratory viral infections. Based on the available studies, COVID-19 vaccination had no serious side effects, except in cases of uncontrolled severe asthma, and can be injected in these children. Also, there was no conclusive evidence of asthma exacerbation after the injection of COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSION Further studies are recommended to follow the pattern of asthma in the post-pandemic situation and to become prepared for similar future conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Khojasteh-Kaffash
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyvand Parhizkar Roudsari
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaffari Jolfayi
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noosha Samieefar
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Interdisciplinarity in Neonates and Infants (NINI), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Zengin D, Uzsen H, Ardahan Sevgili S, Bal Yılmaz H. The effect of COVID-19 fear level on nursing students' attitudes towards E-learning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:874-884. [PMID: 36843001 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2182409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the educational, social, and psychological lives of children and young people. Many countries have transitioned to online education because of the pandemic. This study aimed to examine the levels of fear of nursing students about COVID-19 and their attitudes towards e-learning. This study was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The data were collected using the COVID-19 Phobia Scale and the Attitude Scale Towards E-learning. This research was conducted with nursing students (n = 301) who received online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The students' mean COVID-19 Phobia Scale score was 49.26 ± 15.88; the mean Attitude Scale Towards E-learning score was 59.46 ± 17.00, and a significantly positive relationship was found between the participants' scores on both scales (r = 0.122; p < 0.034). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused students to experience psychological and social problems. It is essential to have sufficient infrastructure to effectively maintain online education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Zengin
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Nursing Faculty, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hatice Uzsen
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Health Sciences Faculty, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | | | - Hatice Bal Yılmaz
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Nursing Faculty, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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Gong T, Huang Q, Zhang Q, Cui Y. Postoperative outcomes of pediatric patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. J Anesth 2024; 38:125-135. [PMID: 37897542 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-023-03272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library from December 2019 to 21 April 2023. Observational cohort studies that reported postoperative early mortality and pulmonary complications of pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19-positive compared with COVID-19-negative were eligible for inclusion. We excluded pediatric patients underwent organ transplantation or cardiac surgery. Reviews, case reports, letters, and editorials were also excluded. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias for each included study. The primary outcome was postoperative early mortality, defined as mortality within 30 days after surgery or during hospitalization. The random-effects model was performed to assess the pooled estimates, which were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS 9 studies involving 23,031 pediatric patients were included, and all studies were rated as high quality. Compared with pediatric patients without COVID-19, pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a significantly increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) (RR = 4.24; 95% CI 2.08-8.64). No clear evidence was found for differences in postoperative early mortality (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.34-2.06), postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.39-1.68), and length of hospital stay (MD = 0.35, 95% CI -1.81-2.51) between pediatric patients with and without COVID-19. CONCLUSION Perioperative COVID-19 infection was strongly associated with increased risk of PPCs, but it did not increase the risk of postoperative early mortality, the rate of postoperative ICU admission, and the length of hospital stay in pediatric patients. Our preplanned sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqing Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617, Riyue Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Qinghua Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617, Riyue Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617, Riyue Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617, Riyue Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 611731, China.
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Rajamanickam A, Nathella PK, Venkataraman A, Chandrasekaran P, Rajendraprasath S, Devaleenal BD, Pandiarajan AN, Krishnakumar G, Venkat Ramanan P, Babu S. Elucidating systemic immune responses to acute and convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and elderly individuals. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1167. [PMID: 38415923 PMCID: PMC10832318 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic, affects all age groups. However, various studies have shown that COVID-19 presentation and severity vary considerably with age. We, therefore, wanted to examine the differences between the immune responses of children with COVID-19 and elderly COVID-19 individuals. METHODS We analyzed cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and acute phase proteins in acute and convalescent COVID-19 children and the elderly with acute and convalescent COVID-19. RESULTS We show that most of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon [IFN]γ, interleukin [IL]-2, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNFα], IL-1α, IFNα, IFNβ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-3, IL-7, IL-1Ra, IL-13, and IL-10), chemokines (CCL4, CCL11, CCL19, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, and CXL10), growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor and CD40L) and acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid P, and haptoglobin) were decreased in children with acute COVID 19 as compared with elderly individuals. In contrast, children with acute COVID-19 exhibited elevated levels of cytokines- IL-1β, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-25, growth factors-fibroblast growth factor-2, platelet- derived growth factors-BB, and transforming growth factorα as compared with elderly individuals. Similar, differences were manifest in children and elderly with convalescent COVID-19. CONCLUSION Thus, COVID-19 children are characterized by distinct cytokine/chemokine/growth factor/acute phase protein markers that are markedly different from elderly COVID-19 individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Rajamanickam
- Department of ICERNational Institutes of Health‐National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis—International Center for Excellence in ResearchChennaiIndia
| | - Pavan Kumar Nathella
- Department of ImmunologyICMR−National Institute for Research in TuberculosisChennaiIndia
| | - Aishwarya Venkataraman
- Department of Clinical ResearchICMR−National Institute for Research in TuberculosisChennaiIndia
| | | | | | - Bella D. Devaleenal
- Department of Clinical ResearchICMR−National Institute for Research in TuberculosisChennaiIndia
| | - Arul Nancy Pandiarajan
- Department of ICERNational Institutes of Health‐National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis—International Center for Excellence in ResearchChennaiIndia
| | - Gowshika Krishnakumar
- Department of PaediatricsSri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & ResearchChennaiIndia
| | | | - Subash Babu
- Department of ICERNational Institutes of Health‐National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis—International Center for Excellence in ResearchChennaiIndia
- Laboratory of Parasitic DiseasesNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Rose J, Hulscher N, McCullough PA. Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2024; 15:20420986241226566. [PMID: 38293564 PMCID: PMC10823859 DOI: 10.1177/20420986241226566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Following the roll-out of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2, Moderna mRNA-1273, and Janssen Ad26.COV2.S coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) injections in the United States, millions of individuals have reported adverse events (AEs) using the vaccine adverse events reports system (VAERS). The objective of this analysis is to describe the myocarditis data in VAERS and the COVID-19 vaccines as potential determinants of myocarditis. Methods We used VAERS data to examine the frequency of reporting myocarditis since the beginning of the mass vaccination campaign and compared this with historical values in VAERS and COVID-19 vaccine administration data from the Our World in Data database. We examined myocarditis reports in VAERS in the context of sex, age, and dose. Statistical analysis was done using the Student's t-test to determine statistically significant differences between ages among myocarditis adverse events (AEs) and the chi-square test to determine relationships between categorical variables with statistical significance. Results We found the number of myocarditis reports in VAERS after COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 was 223 times higher than the average of all vaccines combined for the past 30 years. This represented a 2500% increase in the absolute number of reports in the first year of the campaign when comparing historical values prior to 2021. Demographic data revealed that myocarditis occurred most in youths (50%) and males (69%). A total of 76% of cases resulted in emergency care and hospitalization. Of the total myocarditis reports, 92 individuals died (3%). Myocarditis was more likely after dose 2 (p < 0.00001) and individuals less than 30 years of age were more likely than individuals older than 30 to acquire myocarditis (p < 0.00001). Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination is strongly associated with a serious adverse safety signal of myocarditis, particularly in children and young adults resulting in hospitalization and death. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis is imperative to create effective mitigation strategies and ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Hulscher
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Blumenfeld O, Rozenshmidt M, Eini I, Laron Z. The COVID-19 Pandemic Increased the Incidence of New-Onset Type One Diabetes in Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:142. [PMID: 38397254 PMCID: PMC10886898 DOI: 10.3390/children11020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence rate of childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) is controversial. Our aim was to analyze the incidence of new-onset T1D among children aged 0-17 before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. Methods: Data obtained from the national T1D registry for children aged 0-17 were analyzed for the pre-pandemic (1997-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. In the pre-pandemic period, 7246 children with newly diagnosed T1D were compared with 1490 children diagnosed during the pandemic period. Results: T1D incidence significantly increased in the 0-17 age group from a mean of 12.9/105 (pre-pandemic) to 17.7/105 and 16.7/105 during the first two years of the pandemic (2020 and 2021, respectively) (p = 0.0001). Stratifying by age group (0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-17) revealed a significant increase in the 5-9, 10-14, and 15-17 groups, both in 2020 (p = 0.0001) and in 2021 (p = 0.0001). The incidence rate in the 0-4 age group showed no change in the first year of the pandemic (2020) (p = 0.4). However, in the second year of the pandemic (2021), there was a significant increase from 6.3/105 in the pre-pandemic period to 9.1/105 (p = 0.001). Anti-COVID-19 vaccination in 2022 led to a significant decrease in the incidence rates in the 10-14 and 15-17 age groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of new-onset T1D in prepubertal and pubertal children. Anti-COVID-19 vaccination decreased the incidence rate significantly only in pubertal children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Blumenfeld
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan 5262000, Israel; (M.R.); (I.E.)
| | - Mikhail Rozenshmidt
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan 5262000, Israel; (M.R.); (I.E.)
| | - Idan Eini
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan 5262000, Israel; (M.R.); (I.E.)
| | - Zvi Laron
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Research Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petah Tikva 4920235, Israel;
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AlMuammar S, Alshora W, Sadik Gari A, Bahaj RK, Alansari BA. Parental Willingness and Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in Saudi Arabia. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2024; 15:29-48. [PMID: 38260725 PMCID: PMC10800286 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s443272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study aimed to examine the parents' willingness and its association with demographic factors, attitudes, and practices to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Patients and Methods The study involved 2500 participants from various regions of Saudi Arabia and was conducted between July 1, 2021, and August 31, 2021. Information was gathered via an online questionnaire comprising 26 questions, distributed across social media platforms. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before the commencement of the study. A chi-square test was applied to analyze the association among variables, utilizing a subset of 2127 participants based on study inclusion criteria. A chi-square test was applied to observe the association. Results The willingness of parents to vaccinae their children against COVID-19 was found 61%. The main reason for taking was "Protect the child" by 1094 (51.4%%) and the main reason for refusing was "Side effects/safety concerns" by 477 (22.4%). 1846 (86.8%) participants, received the COVID-19 vaccine or were planning to receive it. Conclusion Our study concluded that parent's willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 was relatively high in our sample as about two-thirds of them accept the vaccine for their child once it is available. The use of the health belief model demonstrated the urgent requirement for awareness and education campaigns in the private and public sectors to increase awareness of parents not only related to COVID-19 but also to cater to any unexpected or suspected pandemic of infectious disease in the future full capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah AlMuammar
- Family Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Weam Alshora
- Family Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer Sadik Gari
- Family Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Khalid Bahaj
- Family Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Yang Y, Yu T, Yang J, Luo J, Liu X, Mu C, Wang X, Deng Y, Luo R. Clinical manifestations and EEG findings in children infected with COVID-19 and exhibiting neurological symptoms. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:49. [PMID: 38229077 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection has many neurological manifestations, and its effects on the nervous system are increasingly recognized. There has been no systematic analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics in children exhibiting neurological symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The primary aim of this study was to describe the EEG characteristics caused by COVID-19 infection in children who were showing neurological symptoms and to assess the relationship between COVID-19-related EEG changes and clinical features in these children. METHOD This study included 125 pediatric patients infected with SARS-CoV2 and showing neurological symptoms, and their continuous EEG was recorded. In addition, the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed and the correlation between the two was investigated. RESULTS Abnormal EEG findings were detected in 31.20% (N = 39) of the patients. Abnormal discharges (43.59%) were the most common EEG abnormalities, followed by background abnormalities (41.03%). The proportion of patients diagnosed with febrile seizure was higher in the normal EEG group than in the abnormal EEG group (P = 0.002), while the opposite was true for epilepsy and encephalitis/encephalopathy (P = 0.016 and P = 0.003, respectively). The independent associated factors of abnormal EEG were age and total length of stay (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Non-specific EEG abnormalities were found in COVID-19-related encephalitis/encephalopathy. CONCLUSION Our study corroborated that a small group of pediatric patients infected by COVID-19 and showing neurological symptoms may exhibit abnormal EEG. This study could help improve the understanding of clinical and EEG characteristics in children with COVID-19 and inform triage policies in other hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chong Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Martínez-Valdez L, Richardson VL, Bautista-Márquez A, Camacho Franco MA, Cruz Cruz V, Hernández Ávila M. Three years of COVID-19 in children that attend the Mexican Social Security Institute's 1,350 child day-care centers, 2020-2023. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1292629. [PMID: 38239590 PMCID: PMC10795536 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1292629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have suggested that children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19; however, with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, hospitalization and death due to this cause have increased among the youngest ones. Methods Retrospective, descriptive analytical study of the COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths occurred in children under five years who attended in Child Day-Care Centers (Centros de Atención Infantil-CAIs) of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) from 20th July 2020 to 31st March 2023. Results were compared with Mexico's and the US's national-level data. Incidence, attack (children and workers) and mortality rates were estimated. The risks of getting sick, being hospitalized and dying due to COVID-19 were calculated by year. Results There were 4,369 COVID-19 cases among children from IMSS CAIs; 67 (1.5%) required hospitalization and only two deaths were reported (0.04%). Both at IMSS CAIs and at a national level in Mexico and the US, the highest incidences of COVID-19 among children under five years occurred during Omicron prevalence. The attack rate among workers (32.93%) was higher than children (4.99%). Hospitalization and mortality rates in the US decreased since the anti-COVID 19 vaccine was introduced in children older than six months, unlike the rates in Mexico, where the vaccine for this age group was not available. By the year 2020, the children that attended the IMSS CAIs were 77.3% less likely to be hospitalized; 80.9% in 2021, 93.2% in 2022, and 77.7% by March 2023, compared to same age children in Mexico. In 2021, the children that attended IMSS CAIs were 90.6% less likely to die due to COVID-19, and by March 2023, this likelihood was 34.3% lower than the rest of children in this age group in Mexico. Conclusions Children that attended IMSS CAIs had a smaller risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. However, the high rates of hospitalization and death due to SARS-CoV-2 in children under five years in our country point to the need and urgency of vaccination against this virus in this age group, as well as of the adherence to strict detection and medical referral protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vesta L. Richardson
- Dirección de Prestaciones Económicas y Sociales del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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Ali N, Nastaran A, Ali T, Farid AJ. High frequency of co-infection between SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory Adenoviruses in the Pediatric population in Hamadan, Iran. Niger Med J 2024; 65:31-39. [PMID: 39006178 PMCID: PMC11238167 DOI: 10.60787/nmj-v65i1-449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The presence of other respiratory pathogens in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been described as a striking feature. However, data on adenovirus co-infection rates and clinical impacts in COVID-19 patients is limited. The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of respiratory adenoviruses in children under 15 years of age in Positive and Negative SARS-CoV-2 patients. Methodology From September 2020 to January 2021, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 280 patients below 15 years old with influenza-like infection symptoms suspected to be COVID-19 and referred to hospitals in Hamadan province. Nucleic acid was extracted using a High Pure Viral Nucleic acid extraction kit for both viral RNA and DNA. Reverse transcription real-time PCR for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and Real-time PCR for Human Adenoviruses were used. Results Out of 280 examined samples, 11.7% tested positive for AdV, of which 18 samples originated from the SARS-CoV-2 positive group and 15 samples were from the SARS-CoV-2 negative group. Of 18 co-infected samples, which were categorized in three different ranges of age including, 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years old were 11, 4, and 3 patients respectively. Also, 14 patients were hospitalized. Compared with AdV-positive patients, children with Co-infection with SARS CoV-2 had lower levels of white blood cell (WBC) count while erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reaction protein (CRP) had increased levels. Conclusion We report a substantial burden of AdV co-infection in pediatric COVID-19 patients. This study revealed most AdV infections lead to hospitalization and change in paraclinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazaridoost Ali
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ansari Nastaran
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Teimoori Ali
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Azizi Jalilian Farid
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Araujo CPD, Piva J, Vettoretti Nicoladeli A, Paniz Hartwig J, Vieira APR, Sica Rocha N, Rocha TS. Lifestyle and quality of life in children and adolescents during the covid-19 social distancing period. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2024; 100:53-59. [PMID: 37591484 PMCID: PMC10751719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the lifestyle and quality of life in Brazilian children and adolescents during the COVID-19 social distancing period in 2020. METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated children and adolescents (2-18 years of age) and their parents, who voluntarily participated in an online survey. Snowball sampling was used to recruit participants during the first 6 months of the pandemic. A questionnaire was used to characterize the study population. The PedsQL 4.0 and the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index were used to assess the quality of life (QoL) in children/adolescents and parents, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 statistical program through the ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni analysis, student's t test, and the generalized estimating equation. RESULTS Mean screen time increased from 2h pre-pandemic to 5h during the pandemic (p < 0.001), which was associated with a decline in PedSQL4.0 scores (from 75.7 ± 2.6 to 71.3 ± 13.7, p < 0.001). Unhealthy eating habits increased from 11% to 34% and were associated with worse QoL scores compared with improved or unchanged eating habits during the pandemic (69.7 ± 13.3 vs 72.80 ± 13.4 vs 76.4 ± 12.6; p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality increased from 9% to 31.7% and was associated with worse QoL scores compared to improved or unchanged sleep quality during the pandemic (67.3 ± 13.1 vs 74.5 ± 13.1 vs 76.8 ± 12.2; p < 0.05). Physical exercise was associated with better PedSQL4.0 scores (77.5 ± 12.3 vs 72.5 ± 14.4; p < 0.001). Children aged 2-4y old had the best QoLscores. CONCLUSIONS Pandemic-related social distancing promoted significant lifestyle changes in children and adolescents, increasing screen time, reducing physical activity, and worsening food and sleep quality, which resulted in worse QoL scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pires de Araujo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Jefferson Piva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Vettoretti Nicoladeli
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jessica Paniz Hartwig
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Radunz Vieira
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Neusa Sica Rocha
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tais Sica Rocha
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grandes do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Centro de Pesquisa Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Leavitt T, Brooks RL, Mitchell RB, Johnson RF, Chorney SR. Adolescent Tracheostomy for COVID-19 Respiratory Failure. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024; 103:NP22-NP24. [PMID: 34328811 DOI: 10.1177/01455613211034594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric tracheostomy for COVID-19 infections is uncommon and requires age-appropriate adaptations. This case adds to a limited body of literature related to tracheostomy placement and management in an adolescent. Thoughtful planning and communication by a dedicated tracheostomy team was crucial in obtaining a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Leavitt
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca L Brooks
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ron B Mitchell
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Romaine F Johnson
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stephen R Chorney
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Dallas, TX, USA
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Liu J, Wen R, Wang N, Li G, Xu P, Li X, Zeng X, Liu C. A Retrospective Study on COVID-19 Infections Caused by Omicron Variant with Clinical, Epidemiological, and Viral Load Evaluations in Breakthrough Infections. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:454-463. [PMID: 38250611 PMCID: PMC10797678 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.87167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the clinical, epidemiological, and viral load characteristics of COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. Methods: Based on the COVID-19 epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 broke out in Shanghai, China. To analyze whether there is any association between clinical symptoms and viral load of COVID-19 with age, sex, and combined disease and whether the clinical symptoms and viral load are associated with vaccine-breakthrough infections. Results: The most common symptoms were cough, expectoration, and fatigue, which were more common in women than males (p < 0.001). The average viral clearance time in the > 75 years group was the longest (6.64 days). The viral load in the 60-75 years group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.001). The 18-45 years old group had the most clinical symptoms at admission (45.39%). The days of nucleic acid-negative conversion, average viral load, highest viral load, and clinical symptoms in comorbid chronic disease patients are longer (p < 0.001). The average and highest viral loads in the unvaccinated group were longer than those in the vaccine breakthrough infection groups (p < 0.001). However, the clinical symptoms in the vaccine breakthrough infection group were significantly more severe than those in the unvaccinated group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We found that female patients, the elderly, and those with underlying comorbidities had longer clinical positive symptoms and viral loads. Although vaccination may not reduce clinical symptoms, it can shorten the viral load and the time required for virus clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guizhou Provincial People Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, 550000, China
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ru Wen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guizhou Provincial People Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, 550000, China
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guizhou,550000, China
| | - Nanzhu Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guizhou Provincial People Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, 550000, China
| | - Guizhou Li
- College of Mathematics and Statistics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xianchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Guizhou Provincial People Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, 550000, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
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Kynø NM, Winger A, Svendsen EJ, Børsting TEA. Social Responsibility and Commitment to Children; Pediatric Nurses' Experiences With Redeployment During the First Wave of COVID-19: A Qualitative Study. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241238419. [PMID: 38488209 PMCID: PMC10943705 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241238419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 represented a challenge for health care worldwide and led to new tasks and a rethinking of resource use. It was necessary to establish capacity within hospitals and to reassign critical resources between hospitals. This study aimed to explore pediatric nurses' experiences of redeployment, new tasks, and use of specialized competencies during the first wave of COVID-19. An exploratory design, involving qualitative individual interviews with 12 pediatric nurses was used. The analysis resulted in 3 main themes. Firstly, a feeling of social responsibility focused on how pediatric nurses felt committed to use their competencies during the crisis, whether they remained on the pediatric ward or were redeployed. Secondly, fewer children to counterbalance the shortage of pediatric nurses showed how redeployment was offset by fewer pediatric patients. Thirdly, adapting pediatric nursing competencies to new tasks described how the nurses adapted their skills to new tasks either in pediatric or adult wards. The results revealed that pediatric nurses had a social and ethical commitment to society in a crisis. They agreed to be redeployed and take on new tasks but were still concerned about the health and well-being of the children and their families, which led to a sense of ambivalence. They questioned whether their skills were being used appropriately in redeployment to adult wards. Fewer pediatric patients mitigated the workload of the remaining nurses. There is a risk of neglecting the needs of hospitalized children and their families during a pandemic. There was concern that "voluntary coercion" was a counterproductive strategy for reassignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Margrethe Kynø
- Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Rajeh MT, Farsi DJ, Farsi NJ, Mosli HH, Mosli MH. Are parents' willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19? A qualitative study based on the Health Belief Model. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2177068. [PMID: 36755490 PMCID: PMC10054307 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2177068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have started implementing voluntary or involuntary mass vaccination programs. Although vaccine acceptance is high among adults, uncertainty about whether to vaccinate children against COVID-19 remains a controversial theme. To date, few qualitative studies have explored parents' views on this topic. A qualitative descriptive study design was used to collect data and individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 parents in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a guide in developing the interview guide. Each question was related to a construct of the HBM. The data were then analyzed using thematic content analysis and interpreted using NVivo software. Two major themes emerged: motivation to vaccinate children, which was influenced by perceived benefits, perceived severity, perceived suitability, collective responsibilities, confidence, and cues to action; and barriers to vaccination in children, which included complacency, rapid vaccine development, and uncertainty about the long-term side effects of the vaccine. The findings of this study revealed that the public is not sufficiently informed about the efficacy or side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, increasing the awareness of which will help parents make informed decisions regarding vaccinating their children and potentially increase vaccine acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona T Rajeh
- Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deema J Farsi
- Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada J Farsi
- Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala H Mosli
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Mosli
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Brito DHSD, Santos TGFTD, Lavôr JRD, Silva MCPMD, Santos NMVD, Paula LMCD, Heimer MV, Caldas Júnior ADF, Rosenblatt A. An exploratory study of children with caries and its relationship to SARS-CoV-2. Braz Oral Res 2023; 37:e130. [PMID: 38126474 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2023.vol37.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This exploratory study investigated whether children with dental decay were more likely to have COVID-19 than those without caries. The children underwent dental inspection and blood collection for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Fifty-four children aged 6 to 9 years participated in the survey, which was conducted between March and June 2020 in the municipality of Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil. The diagnosis of caries was performed using the dmft and DMFT indices. Parents reported signs and symptoms of sickness in their children during this period. The serology test aimed to verify the immune response of the children to coronavirus by detecting IgM/IgG antibodies. Statistical analyses were performed at P < 0.05. The majority of the children presented caries (68.5%). Of the nine children who tested positive for COVID-19 (16.7%), eight presented IgG antibodies to the virus, and only one had IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV2. Children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had a higher percentage of caries lesions than those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 (77.8% vs 65.9%), but this difference was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juliane Rolim de Lavôr
- Universidade de Pernambuco , School of Dentistry . Department of Pediatric Dentistry , Recife , PE , Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Monica Vilela Heimer
- Universidade de Pernambuco , School of Dentistry . Department of Pediatric Dentistry , Recife , PE , Brazil
| | | | - Aronita Rosenblatt
- Universidade de Pernambuco , School of Dentistry . Department of Pediatric Dentistry , Recife , PE , Brazil
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Shafaei B, Nafei Z, Karimi M, Behniafard N, Shamsi F, Faisal M, Amel Shahbaz AP, Akbarian E. Which Groups of Children Are at More Risk of Fatality during COVID-19 Pandemic? A Case-Control Study in Yazd, Iran. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2023; 2023:8838056. [PMID: 38130842 PMCID: PMC10735732 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8838056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The study aims to investigate the characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and clinical manifestations of under 18-year-old patients who died with the diagnosis of COVID-19 and determination of the most prevalent risk factors. Method This case-control study was performed at a referral hospital in Yazd from March 2020 to August 2021. All patients under 18 years who were diagnosed through real-time RT-PCR, chest computed tomography, and the World Health Organization definition were divided into deceased and survived groups. The characteristics (age and sex), disease severity, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and clinical manifestations of the two groups were compared and analyzed using SPSS, version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, III., USA). Results A total of 24 patients in the deceased group and 167 patients in the survived group were compared. The highest mortality rate was observed in the age group of 1 month to 5 years, although no statistically significant relationship was found between age groups and the risk of mortality. Disease severity, dyspnea, low oxygen saturation on admission, length of hospital stays, and hospitalization history before the last admission were significantly correlated with mortality (P < 0.05). Lymphopenia increased the probability of mortality by more than two times (OR: 2.568; 95% CI (0.962-6.852)), but this was not the case for D-dimer and C-reactive protein. Furthermore, 27.5% of survived patients had normal chest CT scans, which was a statistically significant difference compared to the deceased patients (P: 0.031). Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, dyspnea, low oxygen saturation, and lymphopenia are critical indicators for identifying high-risk children with COVID-19 and triaging them for better care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Shafaei
- Children Growth Disorder Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Nafei
- Children Growth Disorder Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehran Karimi
- Children Growth Disorder Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nasrin Behniafard
- Children Growth Disorder Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farimah Shamsi
- Center of Healthcare Data Modeling, Department of Biostatics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Masoud Faisal
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Amir Pasha Amel Shahbaz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Elahe Akbarian
- Children Growth Disorder Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Rehman S, Rehman N, Li Z, Zhang Y. Potential determinants of parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional investigation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22161. [PMID: 38092826 PMCID: PMC10719250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination hesitancy has emerged as a substantial concern among the adult population globally. However, limited evidence is available about parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 within the Pakistani context. Thus, the present investigation aimed to assess parental attitudes, perceptions, and willingness regarding vaccination hesitancy and associated predictors of getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based, self-administered online questionnaire in Punjab, Pakistan, on randomly selected parents between October 2022 and February 2023. The data were collected based on socio-demographics, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for their children. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to identify the predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The findings demonstrated that among 1,478 participants, a total of 40% believed that the COVID-19 vaccine may pose a greater risk to children than adults, while 38% exhibited no concerns. Around 13% of children were not vaccinated in our study sample. More than half expressed hesitancy toward vaccination, and only 35.25% were inclined to get their children vaccinated in our study sample. In addition, only 16% of the parents believed that the COVID-19 vaccination may cause an alteration in their children's DNA. A similar proportion of parents were aware of the significance of getting their children vaccinated and expressed their willingness to vaccinate their children to prevent the COVID-19 infection. However, a higher odds ratio was observed in females with a higher educational background and those in the healthcare profession. In conclusion, healthcare awareness-supporting programs for educating parents should be designed and implemented. These insights might aid in the development of strategies to eradicate barriers in existing coronavirus vaccination programs and may vaccinate a larger child population to reduce the adverse consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Rehman
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Nadia Rehman
- Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University, Wah Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zexuan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
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