A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in children.
BMC Pediatr
; 22(1): 613, 2022 10 22.
Artículo
en Inglés
| 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.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
Disponible
Colección:
Bases de datos internacionales
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Estudio observacional
/
Estudio pronóstico
/
Investigación cualitativa
/
Ensayo controlado aleatorizado
/
Revisiones
/
Revisión sistemática/Meta análisis
Tópicos:
Covid persistente
/
Vacunas
Límite:
Niño
/
Humanos
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
BMC Pediatr
Asunto de la revista:
Pediatría
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
País de afiliación:
S12887-022-03624-4
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