Clinical and Epidemiologic Analysis of COVID-19 Children Cases in Colombia PEDIACOVID.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The COVID pandemic has affected Colombia with a high number of cases and deceases; however, no studies have been published regarding pediatric population. An epidemiologic analysis of the nationwide COVID register, therefore, is necessary to outline and describe the impact in such population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of the characteristics of a cohort of 5062 patients <18 years of age, until June 16, 2020, reported at the National Institute of Health-INS (https//www.ins.gov.co/News./Pages/Coronavirus.aspx), through the national public access database, with all subjects confirmed with COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2. RESULTS: Reviewed on June 16, 2020, a total of 54,971 confirmed cases were reported nationwide for COVID-19, of which 5062 (9.2%) are cases in patients under 18 years of age. There was a statistically significant difference between groups; age was statistically significantly higher in the asymptomatic, compared with deceased, severe and moderate cases; moreover, age was statistically significantly higher in the mild, compared with deceased, severe and moderate. Statistically significant difference determined with one-way ANOVA was found between groups (F = 16.08, P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis reveals significant differences between groups, the age of patients at home (9.39 years) and those recovered (9.3 years) being significantly higher than those in intensive care unit (4.9 years), in hospital (6.1 years), or than the deceased (2.9 years). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that, at the nationwide level, patients in more severe states (deceased, severe and moderate), are significantly younger than those in the milder state (asymptomatic and mild).