COVID-19 mortality rate in children is U-shaped

Bacterial Infections, Trends, and Resistance Patterns in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Romania-A Systematic Review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified concerns over bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Romania. This systematic review explores bacterial infection patterns and resistance during the pandemic to address critical gaps in knowledge. Methods: A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Scopus, focusing on studies of bacterial infections from 2020 to 2022. Articles on bacterial infections in Romanian patients during the pandemic were analyzed for demographic data, bacterial trends, and resistance profiles. Results: A total of 87 studies were included, detailing over 20,000 cases of bacterial infections. The review found that Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were the most frequently identified pathogens, alongside Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was noted in 24% of the reported strains, with common resistance to carbapenems and cephalosporins. Conclusions: The pandemic has amplified the complexity of managing bacterial infections, particularly in critically ill patients. The rise in MDR bacteria underscores the need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures. Continuous monitoring of bacterial trends and resistance profiles will be essential to improve treatment strategies in post-pandemic healthcare settings.

Characteristics of Children Ages 1-17 Who Died of COVID-19 in 2020-2022 in the United States

OBJECTIVES

This study describes characteristics of children ages 1 to 17 years who died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2020 to 2022 and whose deaths were reviewed by child death review (CDR) teams across the United States.

METHODS

We used data in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to examine children who died of COVID-19. Deaths were determined because of COVID-19 from death certificates or CDR determinations.

RESULTS

A total of 183 children 1 to 17 years old who died of COVID-19 were reported in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System. One-third (33%) were 15- to 17-year-olds, and 26% were 1- to 4-year-olds. Fifty-six percent were reported as male, 54% white, 24% Black, and 18% Hispanic ethnicity. Physicians declared cause of death in at least 82% of deaths. More than two-thirds (68%) had a medical condition (excluding COVID-19) at time of death. The most common conditions were nervous system disorders (19%), congenital disorders (14%), obesity (12%), respiratory disorders (12%), and neurodevelopmental disorders (10%). Of children with an underlying condition, 35% had 3 or more conditions. Less than half (42%) had contact with a health care provider within a month of their death; and three-fourths died within 14 days of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the demographics, death investigation findings, and medical conditions of children who died of COVID-19. The results highlight the short timeline between COVID-19 exposure and death. Pandemic planning that prioritizes prevention efforts and timely access to effective medical care may result in saving children's lives.

Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Disease Outcomes in Children and Adolescents Hospitalized Due to COVID-19 Infection in Tunisia

Due to low susceptibility of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in children, limited studies are available regarding COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Tunisia. The current study evaluated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among children hospitalized at Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the hospital database between March 2020 and February 2022 with children aged ≤15 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection (confirmed by RT-PCR). A total of 327 COVID-19 hospitalized patients with a mean age of 3.3 years were included; the majority were male. Neurological disease (20%) was the most common comorbidity, while fever (95.3%) followed by cough (43.7%) and dyspnea (39.6%) were the most frequent symptoms reported. Severe disease with oxygen requirement occurred in 30% of the patients; 13% were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. The overall incidence rate of COVID-19 hospitalization (in Tunis governorates) was 77.02 per 100,000 while the inpatient case fatality rate was 5% in the study population. The most prevalent circulating variant during our study period was Delta (48.8%), followed by Omicron (26%). More than 45% of the study population were <6 months and one-fourth (n = 25, 26.5%) had at least one comorbidity. Thus, the study findings highlight the high disease burden of COVID-19 in infants.

Monthly Analysis of Infant Mortality Rate in Portugal during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Continuous Monitoring

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global public health. Infant mortality rate (IMR), a vital statistic and key indicator of a population's overall health, is essential for developing effective health prevention programs. Existing evidence primarily indicates a decrease in IMR during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a national-level analysis to calculate IMR and describe its course over the years (from 2016 until 2022), using a month-by-month analysis.

METHODS

Data on the number of deaths under one year of age was collected from the Portuguese E-Death Certification System (SICO), and data on the number of monthly live births was obtained from Statistics Portugal. The IMR was calculated per month, considering the previous 12 months' cumulative number of deaths under one year of age and the number of live births.

RESULTS

In Portugal, the IMR decreased before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lowest values were observed in September and October 2021 (2.15 and 2.14 per 1000 live births, respectively). The IMR remained below the threshold of three deaths per 1000 live births during the pandemic's critical period.

CONCLUSION

Portugal has achieved remarkable progress in reducing its IMR over the last 60 years. The country recorded its lowest-ever IMR values during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to fully understand the observed trends.

The mechanisms of milder clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in children compared to adults

In stark contrast to adult patients, children who contract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) typically manifest milder symptoms or remain asymptomatic. However, the precise underlying mechanisms of this pathogenesis remain elusive. In this review, we primarily retrospect the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and explore the factors that may contribute to the typically milder clinical presentation in pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compare with adults patients with COVID-19. The pathophysiological mechanisms that mitigate lung injury in children are as follows: the expression level of ACE2 receptor in children is lower; the binding affinity between ACE2 receptors and viral spike proteins in children was weaker; children have strong pre-activated innate immune response and appropriate adaptive immune response; children have more natural lymphocytes; children with COVID-19 can produce higher levels of IgM, IgG and interferon; children infected with SARS-CoV-2 can produce lower levels of IL-6 and IL-10; children have fewer underlying diseases and the lower risk of worsening COVID-19; children are usually exposed to other respiratory viruses and have an enhanced cross-reactive immunity. Comprehending the relative contributions of these processes to the protective phenotype in the developing lungs can help in the diagnosis, treatment and research pertaining to children with COVID-19.

Clinical Presentation and Management of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children With COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a relatively new syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is characterized by a severe clinical course compared to pediatric COVID-19. This review aimed to compile the available evidence on the clinical presentation and management of MIS-C in children with COVID-19. During this systematic review, a comprehensive search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus, using predetermined search terms, such as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords to find relevant studies on the MIS-C. Relevant data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using suitable methods. The collected findings were synthesized and discussed in the study. The World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of MIS-C was the most favored due to its precision and inclusiveness. MIS-C primarily affected children aged 6-12 years, with male predominance. MIS-C involves a range of systems, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, mucocutaneous, and respiratory. Radiographic findings revealed cardiovascular abnormalities, solid visceral organ involvement, and bowel abnormalities, reflecting a systemic inflammatory process. Laboratory investigations unveiled elevated inflammatory markers, neutrophil activation, release of extracellular traps in vessels, elevated procalcitonin, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, low hemoglobin, and thrombocytopenia. The inflammatory markers and autoantibody profiles are essential in differentiating MIS-C from COVID-19. The preferred treatment primarily involves immunomodulatory therapies like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), glucocorticoids, and interleukin-6 or 1RA inhibitors or a combination of those. In severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and mechanical ventilation are necessary, leading to reduced mortality and quick recovery. This review found that the average hospital stay was seven days, and most discharged children fully recovered within seven days. MIS-C is a life-threatening post-COVID-19 condition and involves multiple systems due to systemic inflammation, with elevated inflammation markers. Recognition of multisystem involvement is crucial, and prompt identification and multidisciplinary treatment are vital for optimal outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 on Spanish mortality rates in 2020 by age and sex

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have used different biometric indicators to measure the effect of Covid-19 on population mortality such as the number of deaths or the decrease of life expectancy showing a dependence of mortality on age and sex. According to them, the impact of the pandemic was greater on women than in men and that the older the population, the greater the number of deaths caused by Covid-19.

METHODS

We apply graduation techniques and non-parametric methods to estimate mortality rates allowing us to obtain an age-by-age picture of changes in mortality rates from 2018-2019 to 2020.

RESULTS

Graduation techniques have detected a significant U-shaped reduction in infant mortality rates although with an anomalous peak in girls aged 10-12. Likewise, we have observed a notable increase in mortality rates of the female population between 28 and 40 years of age. The increase of mortality rates after the age of 70 years was similar for both men and women with a slight decline after the age of 80.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of graduation techniques and the focus on age-by-age changes in mortality rates showed a complex behaviour in some tranches of the mortality curve that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Persistent Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Incidence of New Gastrointestinal Illness after Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection

It is known that SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in gastrointestinal symptoms. For some, these symptoms may persist beyond acute infection, in what is known as 'post-COVID syndrome'. We conducted a systematic review to examine the prevalence of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and the incidence of new gastrointestinal illnesses following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. We searched the scientific literature using MedLine, SCOPUS, Europe PubMed Central and medRxiv from December 2019 to July 2023. Two reviewers independently identified 45 eligible articles, which followed participants for various gastrointestinal outcomes after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. The weighted pooled prevalence for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms of any nature and duration was 10.8% compared with 4.9% in healthy controls. For seven studies at low risk of methodological bias, the symptom prevalence ranged from 0.2% to 24.1%, with a median follow-up time of 18 weeks. We also identified a higher risk for future illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, hepatic and biliary disease, liver disease and autoimmune-mediated illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease in historically SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals. Our review has shown that, from a limited pool of mostly low-quality studies, previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure may be associated with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms and the development of functional gastrointestinal illness. Furthermore, we show the need for high-quality research to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 association with gastrointestinal illness, particularly as population exposure to enteric infections returns to pre-COVID-19-restriction levels.

Considerations for vaccinating children against COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced in children and adolescents in many countries. However, high levels of community transmission and infection-derived immunity make the decision to introduce COVID-19 vaccination of children in countries yet to do so particularly challenging. For example, other vaccine preventable diseases, including measles and polio, generally have far higher childhood morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) than COVID-19, and coverage with these vaccines has declined during the pandemic. Many countries are yet to introduce pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines for children, which prevent common causes of childhood death, or human papillomavirus vaccine for adolescents. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that have been widely tested in children and adolescents have a positive risk-benefit profile. However, the benefit is less compared with other life-saving vaccines in this age group, particularly in LMICs and settings with widespread infection-derived immunity. The resources required for rollout may also pose a considerable challenge in LMICs. In this paper, we describe COVID-19 in children, with a focus on LMICs, and summarise the published literature on safety, efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents. We highlight the complexity of decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination of children now that most of this low-risk population benefit from infection-derived immunity. We emphasise that at-risk groups should be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination; and that if COVID-19 vaccines are introduced for children, the opportunity should be taken to improve coverage of routine childhood vaccines and preventative healthcare. Additionally, we highlight the paucity of epidemiological data in LMICs, and that for future epidemics, measures need to be taken to ensure equitable access to safe and efficacious vaccines before exposure to infection.

Survival analysis and mortality predictors of COVID-19 in a pediatric cohort in Mexico

Background

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been relatively less lethal in children; however, poor prognosis and mortality has been associated with factors such as access to health services. Mexico remained on the list of the ten countries with the highest case fatality rate (CFR) in adults. It is of interest to know the behavior of COVID-19 in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with mortality due to COVID-19 in pediatric patients.

Objective

Using National open data and information from the Ministry of Health, Mexico, this cohort study aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with COVID-19 mortality in pediatric patients.

Method

A cohort study was designed based on National open data from the Ministry of Health, Mexico, for the period April 2020 to January 2022, and included patients under 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Variables analyzed were age, health services used, and comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease). Follow-up duration was 60 days, and primary outcomes were death, hospitalization, and requirement of intensive care. Statistical analysis included survival analysis, prediction models created using the Cox proportional hazards model, and Kaplan-Meier estimation curves.

Results

The cohort included 261,099 cases with a mean age of 11.2 ± 4 years, and of these, 11,569 (4.43%) were hospitalized and 1,028 (0.39%) died. Variables associated with risk of mortality were age under 12 months, the presence of comorbidities, health sector where they were treated, and first wave of infection.

Conclusion

Based on data in the National database, we show that the pediatric fatality rate due to SARS-CoV-2 is similar to that seen in other countries. Access to health services and distribution of mortality were heterogeneous. Vulnerable groups were patients younger than 12 months and those with comorbidities.

COVID-19 deaths in children and young people in England, March 2020 to December 2021: An active prospective national surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths are rare in children and young people (CYP). The high rates of asymptomatic and mild infections complicate assessment of cause of death in CYP. We assessed the cause of death in all CYP with a positive Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test since the start of the pandemic in England.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

CYP aged <20 years who died within 100 days of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 01 March 2020 and 31 December 2021 in England were followed up in detail, using national databases, surveillance questionnaires, post-mortem reports, and clinician interviews. There were 185 deaths during the 22-month follow-up and 81 (43.8%) were due to COVID-19. Compared to non-COVID-19 deaths in CYP with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, death due to COVID-19 was independently associated with older age (aOR 1.06 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.11, p = 0.02) and underlying comorbidities (aOR 2.52 95% CI 1.27 to 5.01, p = 0.008), after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity group, and underlying conditions, with a shorter interval between SARS-CoV-2 testing and death. Half the COVID-19 deaths (41/81, 50.6%) occurred within 7 days of confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 91% (74/81) within 30 days. Of the COVID-19 deaths, 61 (75.3%) had an underlying condition, especially severe neurodisability (n = 27) and immunocompromising conditions (n = 12). Over the 22-month surveillance period, SARS-CoV-2 was responsible for 1.2% (81/6,790) of all deaths in CYP aged <20 years, with an infection fatality rate of 0.70/100,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections in this age group estimated through real-time, nowcasting modelling, and a mortality rate of 0.61/100,000. Limitations include possible under-ascertainment of deaths in CYP who were not tested for SARS-CoV-2 and lack of direct access to clinical data for hospitalised CYP.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 deaths remain extremely rare in CYP, with most fatalities occurring within 30 days of infection and in children with specific underlying conditions.

Paediatric COVID-19 mortality: a database analysis of the impact of health resource disparity

BACKGROUND

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric populations varied between high-income countries (HICs) versus low-income to middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to investigate differences in paediatric clinical outcomes and identify factors contributing to disparity between countries.

METHODS

The International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC) COVID-19 database was queried to include children under 19 years of age admitted to hospital from January 2020 to April 2021 with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Univariate and multivariable analysis of contributing factors for mortality were assessed by country group (HICs vs LMICs) as defined by the World Bank criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 12 860 children (3819 from 21 HICs and 9041 from 15 LMICs) participated in this study. Of these, 8961 were laboratory-confirmed and 3899 suspected COVID-19 cases. About 52% of LMICs children were black, and more than 40% were infants and adolescent. Overall in-hospital mortality rate (95% CI) was 3.3% [=(3.0% to 3.6%), higher in LMICs than HICs (4.0% (3.6% to 4.4%) and 1.7% (1.3% to 2.1%), respectively). There were significant differences between country income groups in intervention profile, with higher use of antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, prone positioning, high flow nasal cannula, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation in HICs. Out of the 439 mechanically ventilated children, mortality occurred in 106 (24.1%) subjects, which was higher in LMICs than HICs (89 (43.6%) vs 17 (7.2%) respectively). Pre-existing infectious comorbidities (tuberculosis and HIV) and some complications (bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and myocarditis) were significantly higher in LMICs compared with HICs. On multivariable analysis, LMIC as country income group was associated with increased risk of mortality (adjusted HR 4.73 (3.16 to 7.10)).

CONCLUSION

Mortality and morbidities were higher in LMICs than HICs, and it may be attributable to differences in patient demographics, complications and access to supportive and treatment modalities.

Considerations for the Safe Operation of Schools During the Coronavirus Pandemic

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, providing safe in-person schooling has been a dynamic process balancing evolving community disease burden, scientific information, and local regulatory requirements with the mandate for education. Considerations include the health risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-acute sequelae, the impact of remote learning or periods of quarantine on education and well-being of children, and the contribution of schools to viral circulation in the community. The risk for infections that may occur within schools is related to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the local community. Thus, persistent suppression of viral circulation in the community through effective public health measures including vaccination is critical to in-person schooling. Evidence suggests that the likelihood of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within schools can be minimized if mitigation strategies are rationally combined. This article reviews evidence-based approaches and practices for the continual operation of in-person schooling.

Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19 in Children: A Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been circulating in many countries around the world, characterized by long incubation period, strong infectivity, strong variability, high population susceptibility and diversified transmission methods. Its causative agent is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Compared with adult patients, the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in children are often dominated by mild or asymptomatic infections, but children are also important virus carriers and play an important role in the transmission of the virus. In addition, some children will show excessive inflammatory response and experience serious complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). At present, the research on COVID-19 in children is still imperfect. This article will review epidemiological characteristics, the mechanism of action, variant characteristics, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations and treatment of children with COVID-19, in order to provide help for the diagnosis, treatment and research of children with COVID-19.