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A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in children.
Vosoughi, Fardis; Makuku, Rangarirai; Tantuoyir, Marcarious M; Yousefi, Farbod; Shobeiri, Parnian; Karimi, Amirali; Alilou, Sanam; LaPorte, Ronald; Tilves, Curtis; Nabian, Mohammad Hossein; Yekaninejad, Mir Saeed.
  • Vosoughi F; Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Shariati Hospital, and, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Makuku R; Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research (COTAR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Tantuoyir MM; Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research (COTAR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Yousefi F; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Shobeiri P; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
  • Karimi A; Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research (COTAR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. macasty1234@gmail.com.
  • Alilou S; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. macasty1234@gmail.com.
  • LaPorte R; Biomedical Engineering Unit, University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC), Accra, Ghana. macasty1234@gmail.com.
  • Tilves C; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
  • Nabian MH; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Yekaninejad MS; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
BMC Pediatr ; 22(1): 613, 2022 10 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2089174
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Several individual studies from specific countries have reported rising numbers of pediatric COVID-19 cases with inconsistent reports on the clinical symptoms including respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as diverse reports on the mean age and household exposure in children. The epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in children are not fully understood, hence, comprehensive meta-analyses are needed to provide a better understanding of these characteristics.

METHODS:

This review was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science, and published reports on COVID-19 in children. Data were extracted by two independent researchers and a third researcher resolved disputes. STATA software and the random-effect model were used in the synthesis of our data. For each model, the heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the Q Cochrane test. Heterogeneity and publication bias were calculated using the I2 statistic and Egger's/Begg's tests.

RESULTS:

The qualitative systematic review was performed on 32 articles. Furthermore, the meta-analysis estimated an overall rate of involvement at 12% (95% CI 9-15%) among children, with an I2 of 98.36%. The proportion of household exposure was calculated to be 50.99% (95% CI 20.80%-80.80%) and the proportion of admitted cases was calculated to be 45% (95% CI 24%-67%). Additionally, the prevalence of cough, fatigue, fever and dyspnea was calculated to be 25% (95% CI 0.16-0.36), 9% (95% CI 0.03-0.18), 33% (95% CI 0.21-0.47) and 9% (95% CI 0.04-0.15), respectively. It is estimated that 4% (95% CI 1-8%) of cases required intensive care unit admission.

CONCLUSIONS:

The pediatric clinical picture of COVID-19 is not simply a classic respiratory infection, but unusual presentations have been reported. Given the high incidence of household transmission and atypical clinical presentation in children, we strongly recommend their inclusion in research and population-based preventive measures like vaccination as well as clinical trials to ensure efficacy, safety, and tolerability in this age group.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials / Reviews / Systematic review/Meta Analysis Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Limits: Child / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Pediatr Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12887-022-03624-4

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials / Reviews / Systematic review/Meta Analysis Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Limits: Child / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Pediatr Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12887-022-03624-4