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Pavelescu ML, Dinulescu A, Păsărică AS, Dijmărescu I, Păcurar D. Hematological profile, inflammatory markers and serum liver enzymes in COVID 19 positive children vs. COVID 19 negative ones-a comparative study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1334591. [PMID: 38425663 PMCID: PMC10901970 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1334591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Complete blood count, C-reactive protein and transaminases are routine laboratory parameters investigated in children with infections, including COVID 19. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in children diagnosed with COVID 19. Methods At the time of admission, children with COVID 19 suggestive symptoms were tested RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 and were allocated to either the study group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive) or control group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative). All children were evaluated by complete blood count, CRP, and transaminases. Results When comparing the two groups, we identified significantly lower values for leukocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and thrombocytes (p = 0.014), but no significantly different values for CRP (p = 0.916) and monocytes (p = 0.082). A diagnostic score for COVID-19 was compiled using the abovementioned parameters-presence of fever, number of lymphocytes and aspartate-aminotransferase. Performance was tested, showing a positive discrimination value (AUC of 0.703)-81.5% sensitivity, 50.6% specificity. Conclusions The leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes have significantly lower values in COVID-19 children. The proposed score based on the presence of fever the values of lymphocytes and AST has a good sensitivity in predicting COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Luminița Pavelescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Dinulescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru-Sorin Păsărică
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Dijmărescu
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Păcurar
- Departament of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children's Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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2
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Assadi M, Kiani M, Shamsi Gooshki E, Aryanian Z, Afshar ZM, Hatami P. COVID‐19 vaccination in children as a global dilemma through an ethical lens: A retrospective review. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e976. [DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Assadi
- Department of Medical Ethics Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Health Research Institute Babol University of Medical Sciences Babol Iran
| | - Mehrzad Kiani
- Department of Medical Ethics Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki
- Department of Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine/Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Zeinab Aryanian
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Dermatology Babol University of Medical Sciences Babol Iran
| | - Zeinab M. Afshar
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza, Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences Kermanshah Iran
| | - Parvaneh Hatami
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Cleofas JV, Oducado RMF. Demographic, Health and Pandemic-Related Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Intention Among Filipino Emerging Adults. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:815-820. [PMID: 38603101 PMCID: PMC8914297 DOI: 10.1177/21676968221084876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging adults have become more susceptible to COVID-19 because of the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants. Vaccination can help protect them from contracting the virus. However, in the Philippines, vaccine acceptance rates are low. This cross-sectional study sought to determine the demographic, health, and pandemic-related determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention among Filipino emerging adults. A total of 1692 Filipinos aged 18-24 years old participated in this study by answering an online survey. Findings reveal that 57.03% of the respondents do not intend to complete their COVID-19 vaccinations. Logistic regression analysis results suggest that less than "very good" self-reported health, lower life satisfaction, previous exposure to a COVID-19 patient, and lower pandemic fatigue were associated with greater odds of intending to vaccinate among Filipino emerging adults (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome V. Cleofas
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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4
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Goldfeld S, O'Connor E, Sung V, Roberts G, Wake M, West S, Hiscock H. Potential indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children: a narrative review using a community child health lens. Med J Aust 2022; 216:364-372. [PMID: 35066868 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
▪In this narrative review, we summarise the vast and burgeoning research on the potential and established indirect impacts on children of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a community child health lens to organise our findings and to consider how Australia might best respond to the needs of children (aged 0-12 years). ▪We synthesised the literature on previous pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. We found clear evidence of adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children that either repeated or extended the findings from previous pandemics. ▪We identified 11 impact areas, under three broad categories: child-level factors (poorer mental health, poorer child health and development, poorer academic achievement); family-level factors that affect children (poorer parent mental health, reduced family income and job losses, increased household stress, increased abuse and neglect, poorer maternal and newborn health); and service-level factors that affect children (school closures, reduced access to health care, increased use of technology for learning, connection and health care). ▪There is increasing global concern about the likely disproportionate impact of the current pandemic on children experiencing adversity, widening existing disparities in child health and developmental outcomes. ▪We suggest five potential strategy areas that could begin to address these inequities: addressing financial instability through parent financial supplements; expanding the role of schools to address learning gaps and wellbeing; rethinking health care delivery to address reduced access; focusing on prevention and early intervention for mental health; and using digital solutions to address inequitable service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Elodie O'Connor
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Valerie Sung
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Gehan Roberts
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Melissa Wake
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Sue West
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
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Biswas B, Chattopadhyay S, Hazra S, Hansda AK, Goswami R. COVID-19 pandemic: the delta variant, T-cell responses, and the efficacy of developing vaccines. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:377-396. [PMID: 35292834 PMCID: PMC8923340 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mayhem COVID-19 that was ushered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) was declared pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since its initial outbreak in late 2019, the virus has affected hundreds of million adults in the world and killing millions in the process. After the approval of newly developed vaccines, severe challenges remain to manufacture and administer them to the adult population globally in quick time. However, we have witnessed several mutations of the virus leading to ‘waves’ of viral spread and mortality. WHO has categorized these mutations as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs). The mortality due to COVID-19 has also been associated with various comorbidities and improper immune response. This has created further complications in understanding the nature of the SARS-CoV2–host interaction that has fuelled doubts in the efficacy of the approved vaccines. Whether there is requirement of booster dose and whether the impending wave could affect the children are some of the hotly debated topics. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar was utilized to understand the nature of Delta variant and how it alters our T-cell responses and cytokine production and neutralizes vaccine-generated antibodies.
Conclusion In this review, we discuss the variants of SARS-CoV2 with specific focus on the Delta variant. We also specifically review the T-cell response against the virus and bring a narrative of various factors that may hold the key to fight against this marauding virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Biswas
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Sayantee Hazra
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ritobrata Goswami
- School of Bioscience, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India.
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Fraile Navarro D, Tendal B, Tingay D, Vasilunas N, Anderson L, Best J, Burns P, Cheyne S, Craig SS, Erickson SJ, Fancourt NS, Goff Z, Kapuya V, Keyte C, Malyon L, McDonald S, White H, Wurzel D, Bowen AC, McMullan B. Clinical care of children and adolescents with COVID-19: recommendations from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce. Med J Aust 2021; 216:255-263. [PMID: 34689329 PMCID: PMC8661691 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The epidemiology and clinical manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are different in children and adolescents compared with adults. Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be less common in children, with milder disease overall, severe complications may occur, including paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS-TS). Recognising the distinct needs of this population, the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce formed a Paediatric and Adolescent Care Panel to provide living guidelines for Australian clinicians to manage children and adolescents with COVID-19 and COVID-19 complications. Living guidelines mean that these evidence-based recommendations are updated in near real time to give reliable, contemporaneous advice to Australian clinicians providing paediatric care. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS To date, the Taskforce has made 20 specific recommendations for children and adolescents, including definitions of disease severity, recommendations for therapy, respiratory support, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for COVID-19 and for the management of PIMS-TS. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THE GUIDELINES The Taskforce currently recommends corticosteroids as first line treatment for acute COVID-19 in children and adolescents who require oxygen. Tocilizumab could be considered, and remdesivir should not be administered routinely in this population. Non-invasive ventilation or high flow nasal cannulae should be considered in children and adolescents with hypoxaemia or respiratory distress unresponsive to low flow oxygen if appropriate infection control measures can be used. Children and adolescents with PIMS-TS should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, with concomitant aspirin and thromboprophylaxis, should be considered for the treatment of PIMS-TS. The latest updates and full recommendations are available at www.covid19evidence.net.au.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fraile Navarro
- Cochrane Australia, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.,Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW
| | - Britta Tendal
- Cochrane Australia, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - David Tingay
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Nan Vasilunas
- Women's and Children's Health Network, Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
| | - Lorraine Anderson
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council, Broome, WA.,Junction Street Family Practice, Sydney, NSW
| | - James Best
- Junction Street Family Practice, Sydney, NSW
| | - Penelope Burns
- Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.,Northern Beaches Hospital, Sydney, NSW.,Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW
| | - Saskia Cheyne
- Cochrane Australia, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Simon S Craig
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.,Monash Medical Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | - Zoy Goff
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA
| | - Vimbai Kapuya
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT.,Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Catherine Keyte
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD.,Australian College of Nursing, Canberra, ACT
| | - Lorelle Malyon
- College of Emergency Nursing Australasia, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Heath White
- Cochrane Australia, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Danielle Wurzel
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA.,Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA
| | - Brendan McMullan
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
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