COVID-19 in the Paediatric Population
Introduction[edit | edit source]
As the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) has spread across the globe, it has presented unique challenges for every population it has impacted. While the impacts, symptom, and long term implications have been variable, one thing is clear, the virus will continue to effect most every aspect of healthcare for years to come. Given this, it is important for providers to recognize the unique ways that COVID-19 impacts the populations they work with. The following page will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 in the pediatric population, exploring some of the unique aspects that the virus presents in this diverse group of patients.
Characteristics and Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Generally speaking, COVID-19 has presented trends suggesting that it is less sever in the pediatric and adolescent populations (<19 years of age) when compared to the adult populations. However, as new variants develop and spread through both developed and undeveloped countries, reports of complications such as multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and others have been reported. Additionally, public response and restrictions presented by the virus itself has disrupted routine care including aspects such as vaccination and check-ups.
Data from studies conducted during the first year of the pandemic (2019-2020) are suggestive of lower severity on illness and mortality among pediatric patients, with this subset accounting for roughly <10% of total cases. The greatest distribution of cases in children tend to center around school-aged individuals.
Presentation of COVID-19 in children and adolescents has been variable, with he most common symptoms including fever and cough. Development of severe cases was also lower among children in general, but those who developed these cases generally fell in the age groups of <1 year and 10-14 years of age. Additionally, factors including viral load and comorbidities such as asthma, immunosuppression, and congenital heart disease were predictive of increased risk of sever illness or hospitalization.[1]
Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]
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Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
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Management / Interventions
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Differential Diagnosis
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Resources
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Irfan O, Muttalib F, Tang K, Jiang L, Zohra LS, Bhutta Z. Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of paediatric COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2021;106: 440-448.
