Changes in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of viral gastroenteritis among hospitalized children in the Mainland of China: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) causes significant morbidity in children worldwide; however, the disease burden of children hospitalized with viral gastroenteritis in China has been rarely described. Through this study, we analyzed the data of hospitalized children with viral gastroenteritis to explore the changes in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of viral gastroenteritis in the mainland of China. METHODS: Data were extracted from Futang Children's Medical Development Research Center (FRCPD), between 2016 and 2020, across 27 hospitals in 7 regions. The demographics, geographic distribution, pathogenic examination results, complications, hospital admission date, length of hospital stays, hospitalization charges and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Viral etiological agents included rotavirus (RV), adenovirus (ADV), norovirus (NV) and coxsackievirus (CV) that were detected in 25,274 (89.6%), 1,047 (3.7%), 441 (1.5%) and 83 (0.3%) cases. There was a higher prevalence of RV and NV infection among children younger than 3 years of age. RV and NV had the highest detection rates in winter, while ADV in summer. Children with viral gastroenteritis were often accompanied by other diseases, such as myocardial diseases (10.98-31.04%), upper respiratory tract diseases (1.20-20.15%), and seizures (2.41-14.51%). Among those cases, the co-infection rate with other pathogens was 6.28%, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and influenza virus (FLU) being the most common pathogens. The median length of stay was 5 days, and the median cost of hospitalization corresponded to587 US dollars. CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests that viral gastroenteritis, especially those caused by RV, is a prevalent illness among younger children. Co-infections and the presence of other diseases are common. The seasonality and regional variation of viral etiological agents highlight the need for targeted prevention and control measures. Although viral gastroenteritis rarely leads to death, it also results in a significant economic burden on healthcare systems.

Impact of COVID-19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND: Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) targeted at SARS-CoV-2 have remarkably affected the circulation of other respiratory pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study aimed to assess the changes in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RSV infections in hospitalized children before and during the pandemic in Suzhou, China. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled children aged < 18 years who were hospitalized in Soochow University Affiliated Children's Hospital with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRIs) from January 2018 to July 2022. Changes in epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RSV infections were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the same period in 2018-2019, the difference in the overall positive rate of RSV was not statistically significant in 2020, while it increased significantly in 2021 (11.8% [662/5621] vs. 20.8% [356/1711], p < 0.001) and 2022 (9.0% [308/3406] vs. 18.9% [129/684], p < 0.001). Specifically, the positive rates declined considerably from October to December 2020 but sharply increased during the summer of 2021. Compared to prepandemic period, RSV infections were more frequently observed in older children during the pandemic. RSV-positive children exhibited milder clinical characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic, including decreased proportion of patients with hospital stay ≥ 11 days (10.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.05), less requirement for oxygen therapy (13.7% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001), and fewer cases of polypnea (12.2% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.05) and wheeze (50.1% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of multilayered NPIs targeted at COVID-19 has affected the activity of RSV. Ongoing monitoring of RSV is warranted as the changing RSV epidemiology can provide valuable insights for future healthcare system planning.

Neurological manifestations and risk factors associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized children with Omicron variant infection.

There are increasing reports of neurological manifestation in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the frequency and clinical outcomes of in hospitalized children infected with the Omicron variant are unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, neurological manifestations, and risk factor associated with poor prognosis of hospitalized children suffering from COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant. Participants included children older than 28 days and younger than 18 years. Patients were recruited from December 10, 2022 through January 5, 2023. They were followed up for 30 days. A total of 509 pediatric patients hospitalized with the Omicron variant infection were recruited into the study. Among them, 167 (32.81%) patients had neurological manifestations. The most common manifestations were febrile convulsions (n = 90, 53.89%), viral encephalitis (n = 34, 20.36%), epilepsy (n = 23, 13.77%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (n = 9, 5.39%), and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (n = 6, 3.59%). At discharge, 92.81% of patients had a good prognosis according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (scores ≥ 4). However, 7.19% had a poor prognosis. Eight patients died during the follow-up period with a cumulative 30-day mortality rate of 4.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-8.1). Multivariate analysis revealed that albumin (odds ratio 0.711, 95% CI 0.556-0.910) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) levels (odds ratio 1.033, 95% CI 1.004-1.063) were independent risk factors of poor prognosis due to neurological manifestations. The area under the curve for the prediction of poor prognosis with albumin and CK-MB was 0.915 (95%CI 0.799-1.000), indicating that these factors can accurately predict a poor prognosis.          Conclusion: In this study, 32.8% of hospitalized children suffering from COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant infection experienced neurological manifestations. Baseline albumin and CK-MB levels could accurately predict poor prognosis in this patient population. What is Known: • Neurological injury has been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infection; compared with other strains, the Omicron strain is more likely to cause neurological manifestations in adults. • Neurologic injury in adults such as cerebral hemorrhage and epilepsy has been reported in patients with Omicron variant infection. What is New: • One-third hospitalized children with Omicron infection experience neurological manifestations, including central nervous system manifestations and peripheral nervous system manifestations. • Albumin and CK-MB combined can accurately predict poor prognosis (AUC 0.915), and the 30-day mortality rate of children with Omicron variant infection and neurological manifestations was 4.8%.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Kinetics in Unvaccinated Hospitalized Children With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Antibody levels decline a few months post-acute COVID-19, but humoral memory persists in adults. Age and disease severity may affect antibody responses. This study aims to evaluate the presence and durability of antibody responses in children with COVID-19. METHODS: A prospective, single-center study, involving unvaccinated children 0-16 years of age who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between October 2020 and December 2021, was conducted. Serological testing for anti-Spike severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG and neutralizing antibodies was performed at diagnosis and at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months post-infection. RESULTS: A total of 65 immunocompetent children were enrolled [mean age (±SD): 6.7 (±6.4) years; males: 56.9%]. At 3 months, 40/44 (91%) children were seropositive; seropositivity persisted in 22/26 (85%) children at 6 months and in 10/12 (83%) children at 12 months. There was no evidence that age was modifying the prediction of variance of SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels varied with time and disease severity. The association with time was non-linear, so that with increasing time there was a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels [coef, 0.044 (95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.061-0.028), P < 0.001]. For each increment of time, the higher disease severity group was associated with 0.9 lower SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. Everyone varied from the average effect of time with an SD of 0.01, suggesting that individuals may have different trajectories across time. CONCLUSION: Disease severity, but not age, influences antibody titers among children hospitalized with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces durable seroconversion in these children with detectable IgG levels at 1 year after infection.

Risk Factors for Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children. Starting in December 2010, RSV monoclonal antibody (RSV mAb) was endorsed by Taiwan National Health Insurance and given to children with prematurity and/or congenital heart diseases, which are considered high-risk factors for severe RSV diseases. Investigating other important contributing risk factors is warranted. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study at National Taiwan University Hospital to determine the rate of severe outcomes among children hospitalized due to RSV infection from 2008 to 2018. Adjusted for age, sex and birth cohorts born before and after RSV mAb endorsement, we identified risk factors for severe RSV infection, defined as the requirement of invasive ventilator support. RESULTS: There were 1985 admissions due to RSV infections. Among them, 66 patients (3.3%) had severe RSV infection. The proportion of severe RSV infections decreased significantly after RSV mAb endorsement. Multivariable analysis revealed that age <1.5 months and cardiovascular and congenital/genetic diseases were high-risk underlying conditions. In addition, bacterial coinfections, elevated creatinine levels and initial abnormal chest radiograph findings posed warning signs for severe RSV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Children younger than 1.5 months of age with cardiovascular or congenital/genetic diseases were predisposed to severe RSV infection and might benefit from RSV mAb prophylaxis.

Racial Inequities in Mortality Rate in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Racial/ethnic inequities for inpatient mortality in children at a national level in the U.S. have not been explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in inpatient mortality rate among different racial/ethnic groups, using the Kids' Inpatient Database. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of children of ages greater than 28 days and less than 21 years discharged during 2012 and 2016. Racial/ethnic groups - White, Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander and Native Americans were analyzed in two cohorts, Cohort A (all discharges) and Cohort B (ventilated children). RESULTS: A total of 4,247,604 and 79,116 discharges were included in cohorts A and B, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the inpatient mortality rate was highest among Asian and Pacific Islander children for both cohorts: A (0.47% [0.42-0.51]), B (10.9% [9.8-12.1]). Regression analysis showed that Asian and Pacific Islander and Black children had increased odds of inpatient mortality compared to White children: A (1.319 [1.162-1.496], 1.178 [1.105-1.257], respectively) and B (1.391 [1.199-1.613], 1.163 [1.079-1.255], respectively). Population-based hospital mortality was highest in Black children (1.17 per 10,000 children). CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient mortality rates are significantly higher in U.S. children of Asian and Pacific Islander and Black races compared to White children. U.S. population-based metrics such as hospitalization rate, ventilation rate, and hospital mortality rate are highest in Black children. Our data suggest that lower median household income alone may not account for a higher inpatient mortality rate. The causes and prevention of racial and ethnic inequities in hospitalized children need to be explored further.

Improving anthropometric measurements in hospitalized children: A quality-improvement project.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this quality-improvement project was to increase documentation rates of anthropometrics (measured weight, length/height, and body mass index [BMI], which are critical to identify patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk) from <50% to 80% within 24 hours of hospital admission for pediatric patients. METHODS: Multidisciplinary champion teams on surgical, cardiac, and intensive care (ICU) pilot units were established to identify and iteratively test interventions addressing barriers to documentation from May 2016 to June 2018. Percentage of patients with documented anthropometrics <24 h of admission was assessed monthly by statistical process control methodology. Percentage of patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk by anthropometrics was compared by χ2 for 4 months before and after intervention. RESULTS: Anthropometric documentation rates significantly increased (P < 0.001 for all): BMI, from 11% to 89% (surgical), 33% to 57% (cardiac), and 16% to 51% (ICU); measured weight, from 24% to 88% (surgical), 69% to 83% (cardiac), and 51% to 67% (ICU); and length/height, from 12% to 89% (surgical), 38% to 57% (cardiac), and 26% to 63% (ICU). Improvement hospital-wide was observed (BMI, 42% to 70%, P < 0.001) with formal dissemination tactics. For pilot units, moderate/severe malnutrition (undernutrition) rates tripled (1.2% [24 of 2081] to 3.4% [81 of 2374], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Documentation of anthropometrics on admission substantially improved after establishing multidisciplinary champion teams. Goal rate (80%) was achieved within 26 months for all anthropometrics in the surgical unit and for weight in the cardiac unit. Improved documentation rates led to significant increase in identification of patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk.

Clinical characteristics of hospitalised children with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in the Top End of Australia.

AIMS: Despite the declining incidence of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in Australia, there is still a significant burden of disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. Childhood APSGN has been highlighted as a predictor of chronic kidney disease in this population. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised children with APSGN in the Northern Territory. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective cohort study of children (<18 years) with APSGN admitted to a tertiary hospital in the Top End of the Northern Territory between January 2012 and December 2017. Cases were confirmed using the Centre for Disease Control case definition guidelines. Data were extracted from the case notes and electronic medical records. RESULTS: There were 96 cases of APSGN with median age of 7.1 years (interquartile range (IQR) 6.7-11.4). Majority were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (90.6%) and from rural and remote areas (82.3%). Preceding skin infections were identified in 65.5% and sore throat in 27.1%. Severe complications included hypertensive emergencies (37.4%), acute kidney injury (43.8%) and nephrotic-range proteinuria (57.7%). All children improved from their acute illness with supportive medical therapy; however, only 55 out of 96 (57.3%) children were followed up within 12 months of their acute illness. CONCLUSIONS: APSGN disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and highlights the need for continued and improved public health response. There is room for significant improvement in the medium- and long-term follow-up of affected children.

Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalised children in Heidelberg, Southern Germany, 2014-2017.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hopitalisation in young children with respiratory tract infections (RTI). The aim of this research project was to analyse RSV genotypes and the diversification of RSV strains among hospitalised children in Heidelberg, Germany. METHODS: We prospectively analysed nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from children who were hospitalised with acute RTI at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, during winter seasons 2014 to 2017. RSV RT-PCR and RSV sequence analysis of the G gene coding for the attachment glycoprotein were performed. Clinical data was obtained using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: RSV was detected in 405 out of 946 samples from hospitalised children. Most RSV positive children were below the age of two years (84.4%) and had a lower RTI (78.8%). The majority of RSV positive children was male, significantly younger than RSV negative children with a median age of 0.39 years and with more severe respiratory symptoms. Out of 405 positive samples, 317 RSV strains were successfully sub-grouped into RSV subtypes A (57.4%; 182/317) and B (42.6%; 135/317). Both RSV subtypes cocirculated in all analysed winter seasons. Phylogenetic analysis of 317 isolates revealed that the majority of RSV-A strains (180/182) belonged to the ON1 genotype, most RSV-B strains could be attributed to the BAIX genotype (132/135). ON1 and BAIX strains showed a sub-differentiation into different lineages and we were able to identify new (sub)genotypes. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the molecular epidemiology of RSV from different seasons revealed the cocirculation and diversification of RSV genotypes ON1 and BAIX.

Frequency, Characteristics and Complications of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Infants.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in infants have incompletely characterized factors associated with severe illness or focused on infants born to mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here we highlight demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory values that differ between infants with and without severe acute COVID-19. METHODS: Active surveillance was performed by the Overcoming COVID-19 network to identify children and adolescents with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related illness hospitalized at 62 sites in 31 states from March 15 to December 27, 2020. We analyzed patients >7 days to <1 year old hospitalized with symptomatic acute COVID-19. RESULTS: We report 232 infants >7 days to <1 year of age hospitalized with acute symptomatic COVID-19 from 37 US hospitals in our cohort from March 15 to December 27, 2020. Among 630 cases of severe COVID-19 in patients >7 days to <18 years old, 128 (20.3%) were infants. In infants with severe illness from the entire study period, the median age was 2 months, 66% were from racial and ethnic minority groups, 66% were previously healthy, 73% had respiratory complications, 13% received mechanical ventilation and <1% died. CONCLUSIONS: Infants accounted for over a fifth of children <18 years of age hospitalized for severe acute COVID-19, commonly manifesting with respiratory symptoms and complications. Although most infants hospitalized with COVID-19 did not suffer significant complications, longer term outcomes remain unclear. Notably, 75% of infants with severe disease were <6 months of age in this cohort study period, which predated maternal COVID-19 vaccination, underscoring the importance of maternal vaccination for COVID-19 in protecting the mother and infant.

Inequities in quality and safety outcomes for hospitalized children with intellectual disability.

AIM: To investigate if there are inequities in quality and safety outcomes for children with intellectual disability admitted to two tertiary paediatric hospitals. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 1367 admissions for 1018 randomly selected patients admitted for more than 23 hours to one of two tertiary children's hospitals in Sydney, Australia (1st January-31st December 2017). Electronic medical records were manually interrogated to identify children with intellectual disability (including developmental delay). Data extracted included patient demographics, length of stay, number of admissions, and reported clinical incidents. RESULTS: In total, 12.3% (n=125) of children admitted during the study period had intellectual disability, which represented 13.9% (n=190) of admissions. Sex and age at admission in children with and without intellectual disability were similar: 83 (43.7%) vs 507 (43.1%) females and 107 (56.3%) vs 670 (56.9%) males, p=0.875; median age 3 years (0-18y) vs 4 years (0-18y), p=0.122. Children with intellectual disability had significantly greater median length of stay (100.5h vs 79h, p<0.001) and cost of admission (A$11 596.38 vs A$8497.96) than their peers (p=0.001). Children with intellectual disability had more admissions with at least one incident compared to children without intellectual disability (14.7% vs 9.7%); this was not statistically significant (p=0.06). INTERPRETATION: Children with intellectual disability experience inequitable quality and safety outcomes in hospital. Engaging children and families in clinical incident reporting may enhance understanding of safety risks for children with intellectual disability in hospital.

Characterization and Outcomes of Hospitalized Children With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Report From a Multicenter, Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Multicenter data on the characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 are limited. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, ICU admissions, and outcomes among children hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 using Society of Critical Care Medicine Discovery Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study: Coronavirus Disease 2019 registry. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Society of Critical Care Medicine Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study (Coronavirus Disease 2019) registry. PATIENTS: Children (< 18 yr) hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 at participating hospitals from February 2020 to January 2021. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was ICU admission. Secondary outcomes included hospital and ICU duration of stay and ICU, hospital, and 28-day mortality. A total of 874 children with coronavirus disease 2019 were reported to Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study registry from 51 participating centers, majority in the United States. Median age was 8 years (interquartile range, 1.25-14 yr) with a male:female ratio of 1:2. A majority were non-Hispanic (492/874; 62.9%). Median body mass index (n = 817) was 19.4 kg/m2 (16-25.8 kg/m2), with 110 (13.4%) overweight and 300 (36.6%) obese. A majority (67%) presented with fever, and 43.2% had comorbidities. A total of 238 of 838 (28.2%) met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and 404 of 874 (46.2%) were admitted to the ICU. In multivariate logistic regression, age, fever, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and pre-existing seizure disorder were independently associated with a greater odds of ICU admission. Hospital mortality was 16 of 874 (1.8%). Median (interquartile range) duration of ICU (n = 379) and hospital (n = 857) stay were 3.9 days (2-7.7 d) and 4 days (1.9-7.5 d), respectively. For patients with 28-day data, survival was 679 of 787, 86.3% with 13.4% lost to follow-up, and 0.3% deceased. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational, multicenter registry of children with coronavirus disease 2019, ICU admission was common. Older age, fever, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and seizure disorder were independently associated with ICU admission, and mortality was lower among children than mortality reported in adults.

Comparison of the Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Children With Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Human Adenoviruses: A Case-Control Study.

Background. This case-control study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with pneumonia infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A, and human adenoviruses (HAdVs). Methods. Hospitalized pediatric patients with pneumonia infected with SARS-CoV-2 at Wuhan Children's Hospital and pneumonia infected with influenza A, and HAdVs at Qilu Children's Hospital were compared. Clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and imaging characteristics were analyzed. Results. The proportions of hyperpyrexia (54.3%, 33.9%), cough (100%, 99.2%), wheezing (45.7%, 53.7%), diarrhea (31.4%, 14.9%), and fever (100%, 75.2%) in patients with influenza A and HAdVs were higher than those of patients with SARS-CoV-2 (9.4%, P < .001; 48.5%, P < .001; 0%, P < .001; 8.8%, P = .002; 41.5%, P < .001; respectively). Laboratory examinations revealed the proportions of leukocytosis (37.1%, 52.9%), abnormal rates of neutrophils (40%, 40.5%), and lymphocytosis (42.9%, 65.3%) in influenza A and HAdV pneumonia groups were significantly higher than coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) group (0%, P < .001; 0%, P < .001; 0%, P < .001; respectively). The proportion of elevated procalcitonin (5.7%, 14%) in patients with influenza A and HAdVs was significantly lower than those in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (64%, P < .001). In chest computed tomography, ground-glass opacities near the pleura were more common in patients with COVID-19 than those in patients with influenza A and HAdVs (32.7% vs 0% vs 0%, P < .001). Conclusion. Fever, cough, and wheezing are more common in the influenza A and HAdVs groups, whereas procalcitonin and computed tomography findings are likely to be pronounced in COVID-19 pneumonia. It provides a variety of methods except polymerase chain reaction for differentiating COVID-19 pneumonia from influenza A and HAdVs pneumonia.

Factors Associated With Hospitalization in Children and Adolescents With SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

In this retrospective study of 319 children with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we assessed whether age, asthma, obesity, diabetes, and socioeconomic status were associated with hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using univariate statistics, excluding incidental or unrelated positives. There was a bimodal distribution of age among hospitalized children. Obesity (P < .001) and a past medical history of diabetes (P = .001) were significantly more prevalent in hospitalized children, including cases of new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. Neither a past medical history of asthma nor lower socioeconomic status was associated with hospitalization. Although limited to a single center, the findings in this study may have important clinical implications. Targeted, proactive health outreach to children with obesity and diabetes, with prioritization of preventative efforts such as vaccination, may be important in preventing worse SARS-CoV-2 infection in this vulnerable group.

Vigilancia activa de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en menores de 15 años con indicación de ingreso hospitalario durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Active surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in children of under 15 years of age admitted to hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic / Vigilância ativa da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em crianças menores de 15 anos admitidas em hospitais durante a pandemia COVID-19

Introducción: la autoridad sanitaria ha utilizado numerosas estrategias para la detección precoz de casos y control de la transmisión de SARS-CoV-2, entre ellas la vigilancia activa de infección en ingresos hospitalarios. Objetivo: describir la vigilancia activa de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en menores de 15 años con indicación de ingreso hospitalario durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un prestador integral de salud privado del interior del país. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de menores de 15 años con indicación de ingreso hospitalario del 1/4/2020 al 30/4/2021 en CRAMI-IAMPP. Vigilancia activa según pautas del MSP: PCR para SARS-CoV-2 previo al ingreso hospitalario, asociado a interrogatorio de antecedentes de contacto con caso positivo de COVID-19 y síntomas sugestivos de infección. Datos: causa de ingreso (médica o quirúrgica), tipo (coordinado, urgencia o traslado interhospitalario), vigilancia de síntomas. Se calculó incidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2, frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados: se indicó ingreso a cuidados moderados a 231 menores de 15 años. 129 varones (56%), promedio de edad 6,5 años. Causa de ingreso: quirúrgica 60% (coordinada 53%); 89 (40%) por patología médica (20% infecciosa, 19% neurológica, 15% respiratoria, etcétera). Ninguno ingresó por sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19. PCR positiva en un niño coordinado para procedimiento que se suspendió. Incidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2: 0,4/100 ingresos hospitalarios. No hubo casos de infección intrahospitalaria. Conclusiones: la vigilancia activa de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en menores de 15 años con criterio de ingreso hospitalario fue adecuada. La incidencia de infección fue muy baja y no se constató transmisión intrahospitalaria

Summary: Introduction: various strategies have been carried out by Health Authorities regarding the early detection and control of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including active infection surveillance in hospital admissions. Objectives: to describe the active surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in children of <15 years of age admitted to hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic at a private health provider, in the interior of the country. Methodology: observational, descriptive, prospective study of children of <15 years of age admitted to hospital from 4/1/2020 to 4/30/2021 at CRAMI IAMPP Hospital. Active surveillance according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health: PCR Test for SARS-CoV-2 prior to hospital admission, plus an interview regarding contact history with a positive COVID-19 case and symptoms suggesting infection. Data: cause of admission (medical or surgical), type (coordinated, emergency or interhospital transfer), monitoring of symptoms. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, frequencies and percentages were calculated. Results: admission to moderate care was indicated for 231 children of <15 years. Males 129 (56%), average age 6.5 years. Cause of admission: surgical 60% (coordinated 53%); 89 (40%) due to medical pathology (20% infectious, 19% neurological, 15% respiratory, etc.). None were admitted due to suspicion or confirmation of COVID 19. Positive PCR was detected in a child coordinated for a procedure that was suspended. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection: 0.4/100 hospital admissions. No cases of nosocomial infection. Conclusions: active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children of <15 years of age with hospital admission criteria was adequate. The incidence of infection was very low and no intrahospital transmission was confirmed.

Introdução: as autoridades sanitárias do Uruguai têm implementado várias estratégias para a detecção precoce de casos e controle da transmissão do SARS-CoV-2, incluindo vigilância ativa de infecção em internações hospitalares. Objetivo: descrever a vigilância ativa da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em crianças menores de 15 anos com indicação de internação durante a pandemia de COVID-19 num prestador de saúde do interior do país. Metodologia: estudo observacional, descritivo, prospectivo realizado a crianças menores de <15 anos com indicação de internação de 01/04/2020 a 30/04/2021 no Hospital CRAMI IAMPP. Vigilância ativa de acordo com as diretrizes do MSP: PCR para SARS-CoV-2 antes da admissão hospitalar, associada ao questionamento de histórico de contato com um caso positivo de COVID-19 e sintomas sugestivos de infecção. Dados: causa de admissão (médica ou cirúrgica), tipo (coordenada, emergência ou transferência inter-hospitalar), monitorização dos sintomas. Incidência de infecção por SARS-CoV-2, frequência e porcentagens foram calculadas. Resultados: a internação em cuidados moderados foi indicada para 231 crianças <15 anos. Meninos 129 (56%), idade média 6,5 anos. Causa de internação: cirúrgica 60% (coordenada 53%); 89 (40%) por patologia médica (20% infecciosa, 19% neurológica, 15% respiratória, etc.). Nenhuma delas foi admitida por suspeita ou confirmação de COVID 19. Houve um Test PCR positivo em criança coordenada para procedimento que foi suspenso. Incidência de infecção por SARS-CoV-2: 0,4/100 internações hospitalares. Nenhum caso de infecção hospitalar. Conclusões: a vigilância ativa da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em crianças <15 anos com critérios de internação hospitalar foi adequada. A incidência de infecção foi muito baixa e nenhuma transmissão intra-hospitalar foi confirmada.

Ingresos pediátricos asociados a infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un prestador de salud / Pediatric admissions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a health provider / Admissões pediátricas associadas à infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em um profissional de saúde

Introducción: en enero de 2020 se identificó un nuevo coronavirus como etiología de un síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, que se denominó coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A la enfermedad asociada se conoce como enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El SARS-CoV-2 se expandió rápidamente a nivel mundial, decretándose en marzo de 2020 estado de pandemia. La población pediátrica constituyó el 1%-2% del total de casos confirmados, con una tasa de mortalidad menor al 0,2%. En concordancia con lo que sucedía a nivel internacional, se registró en Uruguay un número de ingresos hospitalarios por COVID-19 en menores de 19 años muy inferior al resto de los grupos etarios, así como un menor número de ingresos a unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y de defunciones. El objetivo de esta revisión fue describir los ingresos pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un prestador de salud privado, de la ciudad de Montevideo. Metodología: se incluyeron todos los pacientes menores de 15 años con identificación de infección viral por COVID-19 que requirieron hospitalización en cuidados moderados en el período comprendido entre abril de 2020 a febrero de 2022. Se utilizó reacción en cadena de polimerasa y detección antigénica para COVID-19 para el diagnóstico de infección aguda. Serología para el diagnóstico de infección previa. Resultados: de los 1.164 pacientes ingresados en dicho periodo, en 2% se identificó infección por COVID-19. 80% tenían un nexo epidemiológico, 69% era intradomiciliario. 8% menor de 1 año, 69% entre 1-11 años, 23% mayores de 11 años. 27% presentaban comorbilidad: asma y encefalopatía, un 57% de ellos presentaban toracopatia concomitante. Los motivos de ingreso más frecuentes fueron síntomas respiratorios, con fiebre y lesiones en piel, patología quirúrgica, síntomas neurológicos. Dos requirieron ingreso a CTI. No se reportaron fallecimientos. La mediana de días de hospitalización fue 4 días (1-18 días). Conclusiones: si bien el porcentaje de niños ingresados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 fue pequeño la expresión clínica fue variada, mayoría presentó infección respiratoria leve. Los pacientes con comorbilidades presentaron mayor probabilidad de desarrollar enfermedad aguda moderada a grave. Se debe tener en cuenta la probabilidad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 ante la aparición de otros síntomas, en el curso de infecciones virales.

Summary: Introduction: in January 2020, a new coronavirus was identified as the etiology of a severe acute respiratory syndrome, which was called coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The associated illness is known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly worldwide, becoming a pandemic in March 2020. The pediatric population involved 1-2% of the total confirmed cases, with a mortality rate of less than 0.2%. In line with the global trend, children under 19 years of age showed a much lower number of hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Uruguay compared to the remaining age groups, as well as lower number of ICU admissions and deaths. The objective of this paper is to describe pediatric admissions with SARS-Cov-2 infection at a private health provider in Montevideo city. Methodology: we included all patients under 15 years of age with a diagnosis of viral infection by Covid-19 who required hospitalization in moderate care, between 04/20 and 02/22. We used polymerase chain reaction and antigen detection for Covid-19 for the diagnosis of acute infections and serology tests for the diagnosis of a previous infection. Results: of the 1,164 patients admitted in that period, 2% were diagnosed with Covid 19 infection. 80% had an epidemiological link, 69% had home infections. 8% under 1 year of age, 69% between 1-11, 23% over 11 years of age. 27% had comorbidities: asthma and encephalopathy, 57% of them had concomitant thorax pathologies. The most frequent reasons for admission were respiratory symptoms, with fever and skin lesions, surgical pathologies, and neurological symptoms. 2 required ICU admission. No deaths were reported. The median number hospitalization days was 4 days (1-18 days). Conclusions: although the percentage of children admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infections was low, the clinical manifestation was varied, most presented mild respiratory infections. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to develop moderate to severe acute illness. The probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection should be taken into account when other symptoms appear during the course of viral infections.

Introdução: em janeiro de 2020, um novo coronavírus foi identificado como a etiologia de uma síndrome respiratória aguda grave, que recebeu o nome de coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A doença associada é conhecida como doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). O SARS-CoV-2 se espalhou rapidamente em todo o mundo, e virou-se pandemia em março de 2020. A população pediátrica constituiu 1-2% do total de casos confirmados, com uma taxa de mortalidade inferior a 0,2%. De acordo com as tendencias globais, registrou-se no Uruguai um número muito menor de internações por COVID-19 em menores de 19 anos do que no restante das faixas etárias, bem como um número menor de internações em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) e óbitos. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as internações pediátricas com infecção por SARS-Cov-2 numa Assistência Privada de saúde na cidade de Montevidéu. Metodologia: foram incluídos todos os pacientes menores de 15 anos com diagnóstico de infecção viral por Covid-19 que necessitaram de internação em cuidados moderados, entre 20/04 a 22/02. Utilizou-se a reação em cadeia da polimerase e a detecção de antígeno para Covid-19 para o diagnóstico de infecção aguda e estudo sorológico para o diagnóstico de infecção prévia. Resultados: dos 1.164 pacientes internados nesse período, 2% foram diagnosticados com infecção por Covid 19. 80% tinham vínculo epidemiológico, 69% tiveram infecção domiciliar. 8% tinham menos de 1 ano de idade, 69% entre 1-11, 23% com mais de 11 anos. 27% tinham comorbidades: asma e encefalopatia, 57% deles tinham patologias torácicas concomitantes. Os motivos de admissão mais frequentes foram sintomas respiratórios com febre e lesões cutâneas, patologias cirúrgicas e sintomas neurológicos. 2 necessitaram de internação na UTI. Nenhuma morte foi relatada. A mediana do número de dias de internação foi de 4 dias (1-18 dias). Conclusões: embora a porcentagem de crianças admitidas com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 fosse baixa, a manifestação clínica foi variada, a maioria apresentou infecção respiratória leve. Pacientes com comorbidades foram mais propensos a desenvolver doença aguda moderada a grave. A probabilidade de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 deve ser levada em consideração quando outros sintomas aparecem no curso de infecções virais.

Selected predictors of parental satisfaction with child nursing care in paediatric wards in Poland-Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of parental satisfaction with child nursing is the key issue in evaluation of the care quality, enabling the adjustment of the services provided to the needs and expectations of recipients, and thus ensuring safety and achieving better long-term health effects. AIM: Assessment of parental satisfaction with child nursing in paediatric wards including its determinants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 1030 parents of children hospitalised in paediatric and surgical wards of seven hospitals of different levels of health security in Poland. The Polish adaptation of the Empathic standardised questionnaire for assessment of the level of parents' satisfaction with nursing care, developed by Latour et al. and the self-constructed summary of socio-demographic data were applied in the study. RESULTS: More than 90% of respondents expressed high level of satisfaction with nurses' Availability, the lowest, but still high score of respondents' satisfaction was observed for Parental Participation. The highest satisfaction was observed among the parents of children at the preschool, early school and puberty stage, admitted to the hospital on the elective basis, referred for diagnostic assessment and with the length of hospital stay less than 7 and longer than 28 days. Achieving preschool age was the strongest factor which increased assessment of satisfaction in most domains. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for optimising nursing care especially in the area of parental participation. The nursing care' quality improvement plan in paediatric departments should focus particularly on early childhood patients and their parents who are the most critical in satisfaction' assessment.