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Hernández-Bou S, Rivas-García A, Lera E, Valle-T-Figueras JM, Bonvehí A, Gomez B. SARS-COV-2 Infection in Children in Emergency Departments in Spain: A Multicenter Study. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023; 39:102-107. [PMID: 36719392 PMCID: PMC9897123 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002897] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The first cases of infection by SARS-CoV-2 in the Spanish pediatric population were reported on early March 2020. Although most were mild or asymptomatic, new forms of clinical presentation and severity were reported with the evolution of the pandemic. We aimed to describe demographics, clinical features, and management of children with COVID-19 treated in Spanish emergency departments (EDs). METHODS A multicenter registry including 15 pediatric EDs was carried out. Patients younger than 18 years with confirmed acute SARS-CoV2 infection diagnosed between March and August 2020 were included. RESULTS Three hundred ninety-five patients were analyzed (median age, 4.3 years). Fifty-five (13.9%) had comorbidities, and 141 (35.7%) a household contact with confirmed COVID-19. The most reported symptoms were fever (85.2%) and cough (41.7%). Fifty (12.5%) were asymptomatic. Seventeen (4.9%) were not well-appearing at presentation. Children underwent a blood test in 26.7% and a chest X-ray in 21.4%; findings were often unremarkable. Symptomatic treatment was prescribed to 80%; 6 (1.7%) received antiviral treatment. Seventy-one (20.6%) were hospitalized, and 3 (0.9%) were admitted to the intensive care unit; no patient died. The main clinical diagnoses were fever without a source (38%) and upper respiratory tract infection (32.2%); 4 (1.1%) presented a multisystem inflammatory syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Most pediatric COVID-19 cases in EDs during the first months of the pandemic were healthy, well-appearing children, presenting with fever +/- respiratory symptoms. In a significant number of cases, there was household transmission. Most children were managed as outpatients with symptomatic treatment, being exceptional the evolution to a serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Hernández-Bou
- From thePediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiome, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Barcelona
| | - Arístides Rivas-García
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Foundation for Biomedical Research of Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid
| | - Esther Lera
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona
| | - José María Valle-T-Figueras
- Pediatric Deparment, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau de Barcelona, Barcelona
- Fundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau de Barcelona, Barcelona
| | - Aida Bonvehí
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears
| | - Borja Gomez
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research institute, Barakaldo, Basque Country, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A Cassedy
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Susan Kim
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa H Silver
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, NY, USA
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Ayittey FK, Chiwero NB, Dhar BK, Tettey EL, Saptoro A. Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: A narrative review. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e15012. [PMID: 34806816 PMCID: PMC9011565 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.15012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people around the world, with most cases recorded among adults. The cases reported among children have been acknowledged to be minimal in comparison to adults. Nevertheless, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect children of all ages, including newborns. The symptoms among children have also been identified to be similar to those observed among adults, although paediatric patients have been noted to display a spectrum of clinical features ranging from asymptomatic to moderate symptoms. Despite ample publications on the ongoing pandemic, the literature is only replete with guidelines on treating SARS-CoV-2 infection among older people. In this narrative review, comprehensive updates on the infection in children have been discussed. The latest information on the spread of the disease among children around the world, the clinical features observed among the paediatric population, as well as recommended pharmaceutical treatments of COVID-19 among this special group of patients have been covered. Further, expert consensus statements regarding the management of this highly contagious disease among pregnant women and neonates have been discussed. It is believed that this comprehensive review will provide updated information on the epidemiology and clinical features of the ongoing pandemic among paediatric patients. Additionally, the guidelines for handling SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women and children, as reviewed in this article, are anticipated to be useful to frontline clinicians battling this fatal disease around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foster Kofi Ayittey
- Department of Chemical and Energy EngineeringCurtin Malaysia Research InstituteCurtin University MalaysiaMiriSarawakMalaysia
| | | | - Bablu Kumar Dhar
- Department of International Trade and EconomicsYantai UniversityYantaiShandongChina
| | | | - Agus Saptoro
- Department of Chemical and Energy EngineeringCurtin Malaysia Research InstituteCurtin University MalaysiaMiriSarawakMalaysia
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4
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Akangire G, Begley A, Lachica C, Jensen DR, Manimtim W. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children <5 Years of Age With Tracheostomy and Home Ventilator Dependence. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2021; 60:549-553. [PMID: 34541923 DOI: 10.1177/00099228211046697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gangaram Akangire
- Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Missouri Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Charisse Lachica
- Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Missouri Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Daniel R Jensen
- Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Missouri Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Winston Manimtim
- Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Missouri Kansas City, MO, USA
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5
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Brum AC, Glasman MP, De Luca MC, Rugilo CA, Urquizu Handal MI, Picon AO, Cook C, Vain NE. Ischemic Lesions in the Brain of a Neonate With SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2021; 40:e340-e343. [PMID: 34288632 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe a term newborn with acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and multisystem involvement including seizures associated to ischemic lesions in the brain. BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is predominantly a respiratory infection, but it may affect many other systems. Most pediatric COVID-19 cases range from asymptomatic to mild-moderate disease. There are no specific clinical signs described for neonatal COVID-19 infections. In children, severe central nervous system compromise has been rarely reported. CASE DESCRIPTION We describe a 17-day-old newborn who acquired a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a family meeting that was admitted for fever, seizures and lethargy and in whom consumption coagulopathy, ischemic lesions in the brain and cardiac involvement were documented. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 neonatal infection can be associated with multi-organic involvement. In our patient, significant central nervous system compromise associated to ischemic lesions and laboratory findings of consumption coagulopathy were found. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Although neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections are infrequent, they can be associated with multi-organic involvement. Neonatologists and pediatricians should be aware of this unusual way of presentation of COVID-19 in newborn infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Brum
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Patricia Glasman
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Cristina De Luca
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos A Rugilo
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Nacional de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Armando O Picon
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Cook
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nestor E Vain
- From the Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bach M, Lim PP, Azok J, Ruda Wessell K, Desai AP, Dirajlal-Fargo S. Anaphylaxis and Rhabdomyolysis: A Presentation of a Pediatric Patient With COVID-19. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2021; 60:202-204. [PMID: 33666107 DOI: 10.1177/0009922821999470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Bach
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter Paul Lim
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jill Azok
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Ankita P Desai
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo
- Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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7
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Lázaro Carreño MI, Barrés Fernández A, Quintero García D, Ferrer Ferrer J, Fernández González I, Monfort Belenguer L, Iniesta González S, Moreno Palomino A, Sahuquillo SC, Cuevas FJS. Paediatric Emergencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X21989528. [PMID: 33623811 PMCID: PMC7878947 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x21989528] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The state of alarm decreed by the Spanish Government, due to the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, has demanded the lockdown of children and has conditioned a new organization of the Emergency Departments (ED). A pre-triage station and 2 independent circuits were established: suspected COVID-19 and not suspected COVID-19. The ED visits decreased 84,5% from pre-alarm with no increase in the level of urgencies. During the alarm state, 40.97% of the children were classified as suspected COVID-19. Fever and respiratory symptoms, used as discriminators, generated 2 groups of patients with different characteristics. Although the interruption of sports activities and isolation of children at home contributed to the decrease in emergencies, it was also probably conditioned by adults' fear of contagion, who avoided going to the hospital in situations that would never have really required ED and resolved themselves in primary care or spontaneously.
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8
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Peck JL. COVID-19: Impacts and Implications for Pediatric Practice. J Pediatr Health Care 2020; 34:619-629. [PMID: 32859434 PMCID: PMC7346792 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the rapid emergence of the novel coronavirus in December of 2019 and subsequent development of a global pandemic, clinicians around the world have struggled to understand and respond effectively in health care systems already strained before this latest viral outbreak. Leaders are making policy decisions while balancing the slow and precise nature of science with the rapid need for life-saving information.Pediatric nurse practitioners are ideally situated as a trusted source of health information for children. This continuing education article summarizes the latest evidence on the rapidly developing coronavirus pandemic.
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Escosa-García L, Aguilera-Alonso D, Calvo C, Mellado MJ, Baquero-Artigao F. Ten key points about COVID-19 in children: The shadows on the wall. Pediatr Pulmonol 2020; 55:2576-2586. [PMID: 32790245 PMCID: PMC7436376 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of the new coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), initially described in China, is challenging the health care systems of all countries. Every emerging disease raises many questions with a scarcity of answers since all its characteristics are still being discovered. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, most of the literature comes from adult patients. Children seem to be less affected. Pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease usually suffer a mild illness, with a low risk of complications, or mortality. Defining the role of children in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is critical as some national infection control decisions involving children, such as school closures or social distancing, will probably impact the dynamics of the virus. To aid in the knowledge of COVID-19 in children, this study presents an expert review of the literature published from 1 January to 28 May 2020, including peer-reviewed and preprint nonpeer-reviewed studies, along with some relevant articles afterward, summarizing ten key points that characterize the disease in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Escosa-García
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious, and Tropical Diseases, La Paz Hospital, The Translational Research Network of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Aguilera-Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), The Translational Research Network of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Calvo
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious, and Tropical Diseases, La Paz Hospital, The Translational Research Network of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Mellado
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious, and Tropical Diseases, La Paz Hospital, The Translational Research Network of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Baquero-Artigao
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious, and Tropical Diseases, La Paz Hospital, The Translational Research Network of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP), Madrid, Spain
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10
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Sheth S, Shah N, Bhandari V. Outcomes in COVID-19 Positive Neonates and Possibility of Viral Vertical Transmission: A Narrative Review. Am J Perinatol 2020; 37:1208-1216. [PMID: 32736407 PMCID: PMC7645816 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to affect adults and pediatric patients differently. While neonates are a special population, little is known about the neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes in COVID-19 positive neonates and incidence of vertical transmission of the virus by reviewing available literature. STUDY DESIGN This study is a narrative review of available literature on "COVID-19 in neonates," for which PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the published articles. RESULTS We summarized the data from 39 published studies that are comprised of 326 COVID-19 positive peripartum mothers with respective neonatal outcomes. Twenty-three neonates have been reported to be COVID-19 positive. Male neonates were affected significantly more (79%) than female neonates. Approximately 3% neonates acquired infection through suspected vertical transmission. Strict infection prevention measures during the perinatal time can significantly reduce the chance of horizontal transmission of the virus. Overall, neonates were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic regardless of gestational age at birth and required only supportive measures. There was 0% mortality in COVID-19 positive neonates. CONCLUSION From available published data to date, we can conclude that the prognosis of COVID-19 positive neonates is good with no mortality. There appears to be minimal vertical transmission of the infection. KEY POINTS · Majority of COVID-19 positive neonates showed mild clinical signs and symptoms with no mortality.. · Most COVID-19 positive neonates require only supportive measures.. · Possibility of viral vertical transmission is very low..
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Sheth
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Odessa, Texas
| | - Nidhi Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vineet Bhandari
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
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Desai A, Mills A, Delozier S, Cabrera Aviles C, Edwards A, Dirajlal-Fargo S, McComsey G. Pediatric Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical Characteristics in the United States from a Large Global Health Research Network. Cureus 2020; 12:e10413. [PMID: 33062530 PMCID: PMC7552107 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.10413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few reports have been published on the clinical presentation of pediatric patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aim to shed more light on the clinical presentation of pediatric patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and also potential risk factors for more severe clinical case presentation. Methods We used a large global health research network to gather clinical data extracted from the electronic medical records of pediatric patients aged < 18 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 from January 1, 2020 to May 7, 2020. Clinical symptoms at presentation, hospitalization status, associated co-morbidities, and treatments received were reviewed. Results A total of 627 patients with COVID-19 diagnosis (334 were outpatient, 293 were inpatient) were included from a total of 20 organizations across the United States. The mean age of patients was seven years, 48% were females. Inpatients were younger than outpatients (mean age of 5.6 years vs 8.2 years, p<0.001). Sixty-one percent of patients in the inpatient group were < 5 years of age vs. 44% in the outpatient group. Amongst 293 inpatients, 90% (n=265) were non-severe and 10% (n=28) were classified as severe. The percentage of patients <5 years was higher in severe inpatients vs. non-severe (71% vs 60%.) Significantly more patients with a severe illness vs. non-severe illness had a history of co-morbidity including non-congenital heart disease (50% vs 11%, p<0.001) and disease of the respiratory system (86% vs 53%, p< 0.001). Conclusion Clinicians should closely monitor young children with underlying conditions and COVID-19, as they may be more likely to be hospitalized and have a higher severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Desai
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, USA
| | - Alexandra Mills
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
| | - Sarah Delozier
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
| | - Claudia Cabrera Aviles
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA
| | - Amy Edwards
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, USA
| | - Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, USA
| | - Grace McComsey
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, USA
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Ayer J, Anderson B, Gentles TL, Cordina RL. CSANZ Position Statement on COVID-19 From the Paediatric and Congenital Council ✰. Heart Lung Circ 2020; 29:e217-e221. [PMID: 32839114 PMCID: PMC7388894 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
At the time of writing (25 May 2020), there have been nearly 4.4 million infections and 300,000 deaths worldwide related to COVID-19, an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Australia (currently 6,900 infections and 98 deaths) and New Zealand (1,500 infections and 21 deaths) have thus far been less affected than other regions. Risk factors for more severe disease include older age and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The purposes of this document from the Paediatric and Congenital Council of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) are to: 1) To review the mechanisms for cardiac involvement in COVID-19, specifically as they may impact patients with childhood and adult congenital heart disease (CHD); 2) To review the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the paediatric population; 3) To review available data on the risks related to COVID-19 for childhood heart disease and adult CHD; 4) To provide guidance for childhood heart disease and adult CHD units in our Australasian region to re-organise services during the pandemic, so as to protect a highly specialised workforce and yet continue to provide an essential service; and 5) To review risk reduction strategies for acquiring COVID-19 for patients with childhood heart disease or adult CHD. Eleven (11) recommendations relevant to the care of children with heart disease and adults with CHD to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 are highlighted through the document.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Ayer
- The Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Thomas L. Gentles
- Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand,Corresponding author at: The Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hon KL, Leung KKY, Leung AKC, Sridhar S, Qian S, Lee SL, Colin AA. Overview: The history and pediatric perspectives of severe acute respiratory syndromes: Novel or just like SARS. Pediatr Pulmonol 2020; 55:1584-1591. [PMID: 32483934 PMCID: PMC7301034 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many respiratory viral infections such as influenza and measles result in severe acute respiratory symptoms and epidemics. In the spring of 2003, an epidemic of coronavirus pneumonia spread from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and subsequently to the rest of the world. The WHO coined the acronym SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and subsequently the causative virus as SARS-CoV. In the summer of 2012, epidemic of pneumonia occurred again in Saudi Arabia which was subsequently found to be caused by another novel coronavirus. WHO coined the term MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) to denote the Middle East origin of the novel virus (MERS-CoV). In the winter of 2019, another outbreak of pneumonia occurred in Wuhan, China which rapidly spread globally. Yet another novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit and has been named SARS-CoV-2 due to its similarities with SARS-CoV, and the disease as coronavirus disease-2019. This overview aims to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of these three major episodes of coronavirus outbreak, and conclude that they are essentially the same viral respiratory syndromes caused by similar strains of coronavirus with different names. Coronaviruses have caused major epidemics and outbreaks worldwide in the last two decades. From an epidemiological perspective, they are remarkably similar in the mode of spread by droplets. Special focus is placed on the pediatric aspects, which carry less morbidity and mortality in all three entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam Lun Hon
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineThe Hong Kong Children's HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Karen Ka Yan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineThe Hong Kong Children's HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Alexander K. C. Leung
- Department of PediatricsThe University of Calgary, Alberta Children's HospitalCalgaryCanada
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of MicrobiologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Suyun Qian
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - So Lun Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineQueen Mary HospitalHong Kong SARChina
| | - Andrew A. Colin
- Division of Pediatric PulmonologyMiller School of Medicine, University of MiamiMiamiFlorida
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