Ivana Rabbone1, Riccardo Schiaffini2, Valentino Cherubini3, Claudio Maffeis4, Andrea Scaramuzza. 1. Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy. 2. Diabetes Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy. 3. Department of Women's and Children's Health, G. Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy. 4. Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Unit, Regional Center for Pediatric Diabetes, University City Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the diagnosis of pediatric type 1 diabetes or its acute complications changed during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Italy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, web-based survey of all Italian pediatric diabetes centers to collect diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and COVID-19 data in patients presenting with new-onset or established type 1 diabetes between 20 February and 14 April in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: Fifty-three of 68 centers (77.9%) responded. There was a 23% reduction in new diabetes cases in 2020 compared with 2019. Among those newly diagnosed patients who presented in a state of DKA, the proportion with severe DKA was 44.3% in 2020 vs. 36.1% in 2019 (P = 0.03). There were no differences in acute complications. Eight patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 had laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic might have altered diabetes presentation and DKA severity. Preparing for any "second wave" requires strategies to educate and reassure parents about timely emergency department attendance for non-COVID-19 symptoms.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the diagnosis of pediatric type 1 diabetes or its acute complications changed during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Italy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, web-based survey of all Italian pediatric diabetes centers to collect diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and COVID-19 data in patients presenting with new-onset or established type 1 diabetes between 20 February and 14 April in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: Fifty-three of 68 centers (77.9%) responded. There was a 23% reduction in new diabetes cases in 2020 compared with 2019. Among those newly diagnosed patients who presented in a state of DKA, the proportion with severe DKA was 44.3% in 2020 vs. 36.1% in 2019 (P = 0.03). There were no differences in acute complications. Eight patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 had laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic might have altered diabetes presentation and DKA severity. Preparing for any "second wave" requires strategies to educate and reassure parents about timely emergency department attendance for non-COVID-19 symptoms.
Authors: Héctor Pifarré I Arolas; Josep Vidal-Alaball; Joan Gil; Francesc López; Catia Nicodemo; Marc Saez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-05-17 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Teyl Engstrom; Dolly O Baliunas; Benjamin P Sly; Anthony W Russell; Peter J Donovan; Heike K Krausse; Clair M Sullivan; Jason D Pole Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-29 Impact factor: 4.614