Emily R Levy1,2, Jennifer Blumenthal3,4, Kathleen Chiotos5,6. 1. Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 2. Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. 3. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine. 4. Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 5. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics. 6. Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has become clear that the clinical features, epidemiology, and outcomes of COVID-19 are distinct in children relative to adults. In this review, we will present recent pediatric studies informing our current understanding of COVID-19 in children, and review pediatric considerations surrounding disease transmission, currently available therapies, and vaccination. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shed light on the clinical epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children, identifying a high prevalence of asymptomatic and mild infections, with severe COVID-19 infrequently reported. Several adult clinical trials have informed the use of remdesivir, anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, dexamethasone, and tocilizumab in the management of COVID-19. Associations between underlying comorbid medical conditions and severe outcomes, as well as transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in children, are complex and warrant further study. Finally, highly efficacious vaccines are available for adults and adolescents, with pediatric trials ongoing. SUMMARY: Children generally fare well with acute COVID-19 infection, though critical illness is possible. Future research should focus on clarifying the role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and optimal prevention strategies, particularly in the school setting, as well as evaluating pediatric vaccine candidates.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has become clear that the clinical features, epidemiology, and outcomes of COVID-19 are distinct in children relative to adults. In this review, we will present recent pediatric studies informing our current understanding of COVID-19 in children, and review pediatric considerations surrounding disease transmission, currently available therapies, and vaccination. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shed light on the clinical epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children, identifying a high prevalence of asymptomatic and mild infections, with severe COVID-19 infrequently reported. Several adult clinical trials have informed the use of remdesivir, anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, dexamethasone, and tocilizumab in the management of COVID-19. Associations between underlying comorbid medical conditions and severe outcomes, as well as transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in children, are complex and warrant further study. Finally, highly efficacious vaccines are available for adults and adolescents, with pediatric trials ongoing. SUMMARY: Children generally fare well with acute COVID-19 infection, though critical illness is possible. Future research should focus on clarifying the role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and optimal prevention strategies, particularly in the school setting, as well as evaluating pediatric vaccine candidates.
Authors: Emily R Levy; Joseph A Dearani; Jennifer Blumenthal; Jonathan N Johnson; David M Overman; Elizabeth H Stephens; Kathleen Chiotos Journal: World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg Date: 2022-03-28
Authors: Andrea La Tessa; Marco Antonio Motisi; Gian Luigi Marseglia; Fabio Cardinale; Amelia Licari; Sara Manti; Mariangela Tosca; Michele Miraglia Del Giudice; Maria De Filippo; Luisa Galli; Elena Chiappini Journal: Acta Biomed Date: 2021-11-29