Neurologic complications in children with seizures and respiratory illness: A comparison between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES/GOALS To compare rates and types of neurological symptoms in children hospitalized with seizures and respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and endemic coronaviruses. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION Retrospective cohort study of children between 0-21 years of age admitted to a single pediatric free-standing quaternary referral center from January 1, 2014 to June 1, 2021 for seizures who had positive respiratory infection PCR for SARS-CoV-2, other coronaviruses (Coronavirus NL63 and Coronavirus OC34), influenza (A and B), adenovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and parainfluenza 3 or 4 infections. Patient characteristics including age, race, sex, ethnicity, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission, intubation, chest x-ray, and MRI results were included. The primary outcomes were rates of neurological diagnoses and mortality. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 883 children were included 68 SARS-CoV-2, 232 influenza, and 187 with other coronaviruses (OC), 214 adenovirus, 20 M. pneumoniae, 121 parainfluenza 3, and 41 parainfluenza 4. Mortality rates were 0% M pneumoniae to 4.9% in parainfluenza 4, with 2.9% in SARS-CoV-2. Encephalopathy was noted in 5-15.6% and strokes were seen in all infections except for coronavirus OC43 and M. pneumoniae, with 4.9% in parainfluenza 4 and 5.9% in SARS-CoV-2. The most common brain MRI abnormality was diffusion restriction. Differences between SARS-CoV-2 and OC were observed in stroke (5.9% vs. 0.5%, p-value=0.019), ICU admission (50% vs. 69%, p-value=0.008), and intubation (19.1% vs. 34.8%, p-value=0.021, respectively). However, the rates of neurological symptoms were similar between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We found higher rates of stroke, but lower rates of ICU admission and intubation in SARS-CoV-2 versus OC. Strokes were observed in many infections. Rates of neurological symptoms were similar in SARS-CoV-2 versus influenza patients. Vigilance should be undertaken in treatment of children presenting with all respiratory illnesses.