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Curr Opin Pediatr
. 2021 Jun 1;33(3):286-291.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001019.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and critically ill children
Rahul Damania 1 , Whitney Moore, Heather C Viamonte, Pradip Kamat, Rajit K Basu
Affiliations
- PMID: 33938473
- DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001019
Abstract
Purpose of review: Amidst an ongoing pandemic, the delineation of the pediatric consequence of infection from the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) virus is emerging. This review summarizes available pediatric data and covers the aspects of epidemiology, critical illness with acute infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)], the discovered multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and management options.
Recent findings: The available data from the source of the initial viral transmission and then through Europe, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere identifies important aspects of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic: 1) Pediatric infection occurs commonly, is likely underestimated, and transmission patterns remain incompletely described, 2) Pediatric patients suffer multiple end-organ injuries but COVID-19 is not the same prevalence in terms of severity as in adults, 3) MIS-C is a novel and life-threatening manifestation of exposure to the virus, 4) Management using a combination of supportive care, standard practice intensive care management, and anti-inflammatory agents is associated with recovery, 5) Long-term sequelae of viral exposure is unknown at this time.
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests pediatric patients are at risk for severe and life-threatening effects of exposure to SARS-CoV2. As the pandemic continues, further research is warranted - particularly as a vaccine is not yet available for use in children.