Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 21, 2021

Post-Acute COVID-19 Outcomes in Children with Mild and Asymptomatic Disease

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  • A multicenter cohort study across Europe conducted among children ≤18 years diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care hospital found that significant risk factors for ICU admission were age <1 month (OR = 5.1), male sex (OR = 2.1), pre-existing medical conditions (OR = 3.3), and presence of lower respiratory tract infection signs or symptoms at presentation (OR = 10.5). 582 children with positive PCR results between April 1 and April 24, 2020 were included in the analysis. Most children were either asymptomatic (36%) or had mild disease (58%). 145 children (25%) had pre-existing medical conditions, and 363 (62%) were admitted to the hospital. 48 (8%) individuals required ICU admission, 25 (4%) machines to support respiration (mechanical ventilation), 19 (3%) medications to support blood pressure (inotropic or vasopressor support), and one required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (an advanced form of cardiovascular life support). Four children died (case fatality 0.7%). 

Say et al. (Apr 21, 2021). Post-Acute COVID-19 Outcomes in Children with Mild and Asymptomatic Disease. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(21)00124-3