ABSTRACT
Two new articles describe the use and implementation of monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19 in children. While these studies provide valuable guidance for pediatric clinicians, more studies of monoclonal antibodies and other COVID-19 therapies in children are needed.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated increase in family care responsibilities resulted in unsustainable personal and professional workloads for Infectious Diseases (ID) faculty on the front lines. This was especially true for early-stage faculty (ESF), many of whom had caregiving responsibilities. In addition, women faculty, underrepresented in medicine and science faculty, and particularly ESF experienced marked declines in research productivity, which significantly impacts career trajectories. When combined with staffing shortages due to an aging workforce and suboptimal recruitment and retention in ID, these work-life imbalances have brought the field to an inflection point. We propose actionable recommendations and call on ID leaders to act to close the gender, racial, and ethnic gaps to improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of ESF in ID. By investing in systemic change to make the ID workforce more equitable, we can embody the shared ideals of diversity and inclusion and prepare for the next pandemic.
ABSTRACT
We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 16 children and young adults with severe acute COVID-19 who were treated with tocilizumab. Patients who were discharged by day 28 were more likely to be treated with tocilizumab earlier in their COVID-19 illness and had lower ferritin and interleukin-6 levels compared with those who were not discharged by day 28.