SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2022) | Viewed by 26425

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children`s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Interests: pulmoary infectious diseases; pediatric; tuberculosis; SARs-CoV-2; infection in chronic lung diseases (cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

SARS-CoV-2 infections in children are usually less severe than in adults. Nevertheless, some children, especially those with comorbidities, can experience severe cases of COVID-19. To identify children at risk and treat them in time remains a challenge. Many therapeutic options have been evaluated in adult studies, but not yet in the younger population. Vaccination can prevent acute infection as well reduce the risk of sequalae SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, including paediatric inflammatory multiorgan syndrome (PIMS) as well as Long COVID, but is still the subject of discussion amongst scientists and caregivers. These conditions have been described both in adults and children, but there is still uncertainty about the diagnosis of Long COVID in children, as well as essential diagnostics and evidence-based treatment. In addition to this, schools and day-care facilities have closed during the pandemic due to prolonged lockdowns and this has significantly reduced children and adolescents’ physical and mental well- being.

This Special Issue focuses on current findings regarding SARS-Cov-2 infection in children, innovative diagnostics and therapeutic options as well as an update on the current situation of children and adolescents during the pandemic. 

Dr. Folke Brinkmann
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • SARS- CoV- 2
  • pandemic
  • severe infection
  • COVID-19
  • PIMS
  • long COVID
  • vaccination
  • lockdown
  • therapy

Published Papers (12 papers)

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12 pages, 1255 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Outbreak during Summer Courses at an Elementary School
by Carlos Pantoja-Meléndez, Guadalupe García-De la Torre, Mónica Duran-Robertson, Kenneth Peterson-Marquard, Silvia Núñez-Amador, Víctor Gomez-Bocanegra, Gabriela Ibáñez-Cervantes, Cruz Vargas-De-León and Mónica Cureño-Diaz
Children 2023, 10(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030418 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, face-to-face classes were suspended. After the vaccination of teachers and to mitigate educational backwardness, the schools have begun to reopen with protocols established by the government. Here, we investigated the COVID-19 outbreak in summer courses during the reopening [...] Read more.
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, face-to-face classes were suspended. After the vaccination of teachers and to mitigate educational backwardness, the schools have begun to reopen with protocols established by the government. Here, we investigated the COVID-19 outbreak in summer courses during the reopening of a private elementary school in July 2021. We report confirmed cases of COVID-19 in staff members, students, and their families. A total community of 290 people was part of this study, and we built the contact network. The clinical features of all cases are described. We used the methodology of cases and contacts. The index case was identified by epidemiological tracking, and containment measures were activated, as well as further infection chains in the setting. We estimate the attack rate for staff members at 15.68% (95% CI 7.0–28.6), students at 12.24% (95% CI 4.6–24.8), and family members at 2.6% (95% CI 0.8–6.0). An incubation period of 48–72 h was determined. A student–teacher–student–family transmission sequence was identified. The area where the infection was identified was the school swimming pool, an area where face masks are not worn or, in some cases, inadequately used. Finally, we continue with intermittent staff testing and early detection actions, reinforcing prevention measures, environmental control, cleaning, and educational interventions with students regarding the implementation of preventive measures through classes led by school health staff. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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13 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
Neurological Manifestations in Pediatric COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study
by Moustafa A. Hegazi, Fajr A. Saeedi, Ali F. Atwah, Mohamed H. Sayed, Asala A. Albeladi, Shahad B. Alyoubi, Razan A. Aljudibi, Shahad M. Alyaslami, Abdullah T. Alkathiry and Abobakr A. Abdelgalil
Children 2022, 9(12), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121870 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1462
Abstract
There are limited data about neurological manifestations in pediatric COVID-19 patients from all over the world, including Saudi Arabia. This study was performed to identify characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 cases with neurologic involvement hospitalized at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia. This [...] Read more.
There are limited data about neurological manifestations in pediatric COVID-19 patients from all over the world, including Saudi Arabia. This study was performed to identify characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 cases with neurologic involvement hospitalized at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cross-sectional study included hospitalized patients aged 0–19 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 from April 2020 to February 2022. The required data were retrieved from patients’ medical records. Ninety-four cases were included. The median ages of the studied group, those with neurological manifestations, and those without neurologic manifestations, were 6.5, 11.0, and 5.0 years, respectively. Neurological manifestations occurred in 29 COVID-19 patients (30.9%) with headache and decreased consciousness being the most common recorded manifestations in 8.5% and 6.4% of patients, respectively. Specific neurological manifestations were rare, as only two infants developed encephalopathy with fatal outcome. Most patients with and without neurological manifestations survived. Neuroimaging abnormalities were detected in 8 cases with neurological manifestations. Neurological manifestations were common in 31% of hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 cases. However, most of the neurological manifestations were mild and nonspecific, with headache being the most common one. Specific neurological manifestations were rare; however, pediatric COVID-19 patients, particularly young infants, were at risk of developing severe encephalopathy with fatal outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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10 pages, 869 KiB  
Article
Etiology and Epidemiology of Croup before and throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2018–2022, South Korea
by Joon Kee Lee, Seung Ha Song, Bin Ahn, Ki Wook Yun and Eun Hwa Choi
Children 2022, 9(10), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101542 - 09 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2440
Abstract
Omicron, a recent variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently globally dominating. We reviewed the etiology and epidemiology of croup over an approximately 5-year period, with an emphasis on the recent dominance of the Omicron variant. Children less than [...] Read more.
Omicron, a recent variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently globally dominating. We reviewed the etiology and epidemiology of croup over an approximately 5-year period, with an emphasis on the recent dominance of the Omicron variant. Children less than 5 years of age seen in the emergency department with diagnosis of croup from two large national tertiary hospitals were collected for the period from January 2018 through March 2022. Viral etiologies of the patients were compared with national surveillance data upon circulating respiratory viruses in the community. A total number of 879 croup cases were recognized during the study period. The most common pathogen was SARS-CoV-2 (26.9%), followed by HRV (23.8%), PIV1 (14.6%), PIV3 (13.1%), and CoV NL63 (13.1%), among seventeen respiratory viral pathogens tested by polymerase chain reaction. The viral identification rate was significantly higher in the Omicron period, with most of the pathogens identified as SARS-CoV-2. In the Omicron period, with the exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community, croup associated with SARS-CoV-2 significantly increased, with a high detection rate of 97.2% (35 of 36) among croup cases with pathogen identified. The etiologic and epidemiologic data before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that the association between croup and infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is highly plausible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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11 pages, 2591 KiB  
Article
Change on the Circulation of Respiratory Viruses and Pediatric Healthcare Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Asturias, Northern Spain
by Elisa García-García, Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez, Santiago Melón García, Reyes Fernández Montes, Cristina Suárez Castañón, Mª Cristina Amigo Bello, Cristina Rodríguez Dehli, Carlos Pérez-Méndez, Mª Agustina Alonso Álvarez and Laura Calle-Miguel
Children 2022, 9(10), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101464 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1474
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of restrictions and nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) changed the trends in respiratory viral circulation and the pattern in pediatric healthcare utilization; (2) Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational study designed to analyze the impact of the pandemic [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of restrictions and nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) changed the trends in respiratory viral circulation and the pattern in pediatric healthcare utilization; (2) Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational study designed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on pediatric healthcare utilization and the viral circulation pattern in children in a region in Northern Spain was carried out. Viral diagnostics data from all nasal or pharyngeal swabs collected in children in Asturias during the periods of March 2018–September 2019 and March 2020–September 2021 were analyzed, as well as the number of pediatric hospitalizations and emergency visits; (3) Results: A total of 14,640 samples were collected during the pandemic period. Of these, at least one respiratory virus was detected in 2940 (20.1%) while 5568/10,298 samples were positive in the pre-pandemic period (54.1%); p < 0.001. The detection of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses decreased among periods (p < 0.001). After week 14, 2020, enveloped viruses were no longer detected until one year later, while non-enveloped viruses continued to be detected in children. Overall, a mean of 4946.8 (95% CI 4519.1–5374.4) pediatric emergency visits per month during the period 2018–2019 as compared to 2496.5 (95% CI 2086.4–2906.5) for 2020–2021 occurred (p < 0.001). The mean of pediatric hospitalizations also significantly decreased between periods, as follows: 346.6 (95% CI 313–380.2) in 2018–2019 vs. 161.1 (95% CI 138.4–183.8); p < 0.001; (4) Conclusions: Our study showed a remarkably reduction in pediatric hospitalizations and emergency visits and a change in the pattern of viral circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asturias. The usual seasonal respiratory viruses, namely influenza or RSV were nearly absent in the pediatric population during the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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7 pages, 399 KiB  
Article
Rhabdomyolysis in Pediatric Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
by Ping-Sheng Wu, Shi-Bing Wong, Ching-Feng Cheng and Chun-Hsien Yu
Children 2022, 9(10), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101441 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe complication in adult patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can result in acute kidney injury and death; however, it is rarely reported in pediatric patients. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical features [...] Read more.
Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but severe complication in adult patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can result in acute kidney injury and death; however, it is rarely reported in pediatric patients. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and outcomes of rhabdomyolysis in pediatric patients aged 0–18 years with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, an epicenter of COVID-19 in northern Taiwan. Results: We treated eight patients with rhabdomyolysis during the omicron variant-Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (omicron variant-SARS-CoV-2) community outbreak and none during the alpha variant endemic. These eight patients shared stereotypical presentations, including the presence of bilateral calf pain after defervescence. The creatinine kinase (CK) levels were between 1346 and 6937 U/L on admission, and clinical course was uneventful after aggressive saline hydration. Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis is not a rare complication in pediatric patients with the omicron-SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reassurance of a good prognosis is important to alleviate family anxiety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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13 pages, 755 KiB  
Article
The CSHQ-DE Questionnaire Uncovers Relevant Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Long COVID
by Sarah Werner, Claus Doerfel, Richard Biedermann, Michael Lorenz, Marius Rasche, Hans Proquitté, Lars Newman and Daniel Vilser
Children 2022, 9(9), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091419 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2214
Abstract
Acute SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents are usually mild. However, they can suffer from ongoing symptoms, generally referred to as long COVID. Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent complaints in long COVID although precise data are missing. We assessed the [...] Read more.
Acute SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents are usually mild. However, they can suffer from ongoing symptoms, generally referred to as long COVID. Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent complaints in long COVID although precise data are missing. We assessed the sleep behavior of children and adolescents who presented at our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and May 2022 with the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-DE). We compared the sleep behavior at three different time points: pre-COVID-19; post-COVID-19 at the initial presentation; and post-COVID-19 at re-presentation. Data from 45 patients were analyzed. Of those, 64% were female and the median age was 10 years (range: 0–18 years). Asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 disease was experienced in 89% of patients; 11% experienced moderate disease. The initial presentation occurred at a median of 20.4 weeks (6 weeks–14 months) after the infection. The CSHQ-DE score increased significantly from pre-COVID-19 (45.82 ± 8.7 points) to post-COVID-19 (49.40 ± 8.3 points; p ≤ 0.01). The score then normalized at re-presentation (46.98 ± 7.8; p = 0.1). The greatest changes were seen in the CSHQ-DE subscale score “daytime sleepiness”. Our data showed that children and adolescents with long COVID often suffer from sleep disturbances. For most children and adolescents, these sleep disorders decreased over time without any further medical intervention aside from a basic sleep consultation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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9 pages, 219 KiB  
Article
The Attitude of Parents Toward Their Children Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine
by Salmah Alghamdi
Children 2022, 9(9), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091308 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1471
Abstract
Parental attitudes towards childhood vaccination programs are important for successful delivery. Children were affected by COVID-19; however, parental attitudes towards childhood COVID-19 vaccination have not been fully assessed. The purpose is to assess parental hesitancy and attitudes about their children receiving a COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Parental attitudes towards childhood vaccination programs are important for successful delivery. Children were affected by COVID-19; however, parental attitudes towards childhood COVID-19 vaccination have not been fully assessed. The purpose is to assess parental hesitancy and attitudes about their children receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. This was a cross-sectional study using an electronically distributed questionnaire including a convenience sample of 123 Saudi Arabian parents of school-aged children between five and eleven years old. Most of the participants were mothers (77.2%) aged 31–40 years old (61%). The mean score of the questionnaire about parents’ attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine was M = 18.95, SD = 5.52. Only 39% of the parents were hesitant to have their children receive the seasonal influenza vaccine compared to 74% who were hesitant to have their children receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of the children (80%) did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of parental concerns about the vaccine’s side effects (49.5 %). Parents whose children received the COVID-19 vaccine (Median = 24, IQR = 9) had higher attitude scores than those whose children did not receive the vaccine (Median = 17, IQR = 6). The findings shed light on parental attitudes towards their children receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Healthcare providers can build upon this study to improve parental attitudes towards childhood vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
10 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
Chronic Olfactory Dysfunction in Children with Long COVID: A Retrospective Study
by Danilo Buonsenso, Laura Martino, Rosa Morello, Cristina De Rose and Piero Valentini
Children 2022, 9(8), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081251 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2185
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is one of the long-term consequences of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of chronic anosmia among COVID-19 children and to bring to light its impact on their families’ quality of life and wellbeing. Children [...] Read more.
Olfactory dysfunction is one of the long-term consequences of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of chronic anosmia among COVID-19 children and to bring to light its impact on their families’ quality of life and wellbeing. Children younger than 18 years old, who were detected as being COVID-19-positive by RT-PCR and were assessed in a pediatric post-COVID outpatient clinic at least 28 days after the onset of the acute infection, were included in the study. The patients suffering from persisting smell disorders were asked to answer a questionnaire about their symptoms and how they influence their daily life. Out of the 784 children evaluated, 13 (1.7%) presented olfactory impairment at a mean follow-up since the acute infection of more than three months. Parents’ answers showed that they were worried about their children’s health, in particular they wanted to know if and when they would recover and if these disorders would have long-term consequences. They also wanted to share their experiences, in order to help other people who are experiencing the same disorders in everyday life. Our study highlights that smell disorders can significantly upset children’s eating habits and everyday activities. Furthermore, these findings suggest that future research should try to better understand the mechanisms causing loss of smell in COVID-19 patients and find the most appropriate treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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5 pages, 206 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evidence on Pulmonary Function after Asymptomatic and Mild COVID-19 in Children
by Costanza Di Chiara, Silvia Carraro, Stefania Zanconato, Sandra Cozzani, Eugenio Baraldi, Carlo Giaquinto, Valentina Agnese Ferraro and Daniele Donà
Children 2022, 9(7), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9070952 - 25 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
Background: While it has been described that adults can develop long-lasting deterioration in pulmonary function (PF) after coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), regardless of disease severity, data on the long-term pneumological impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children are lacking. Methods: Performing a single-center, prospective, [...] Read more.
Background: While it has been described that adults can develop long-lasting deterioration in pulmonary function (PF) after coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), regardless of disease severity, data on the long-term pneumological impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children are lacking. Methods: Performing a single-center, prospective, observational study on children aged 6–18 years with a previous diagnosis of asymptomatic/mild COVID-19, we evaluated the long-term impact of mild severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children. Results: A total of 61 subjects underwent spirometry after a mean time of 10 ± 4 months from asymptomatic or mild infection. None of the children reported any respiratory symptoms, needed any inhaled therapy, or had abnormal lung function. Conclusions: In our study, we observed that children and adolescents did not develop chronic respiratory symptoms and did not present lung function impairment after asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
8 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
A Prospective Study of the Serological, Clinical, and Epidemiological Features of a SARS-CoV-2 Positive Pediatric Cohort
by Ignacio Callejas-Caballero, Alba Ruedas-López, Arantxa Berzosa-Sánchez, Marta Illán-Ramos, Belén Joyanes-Abancens, Andrés Bodas-Pinedo, Sara Guillén-Martín, Beatriz Soto-Sánchez, Isabel García-Bermejo, David Molina-Arana, Juan-Ignacio Alós, Elvira Baos-Muñoz, Alberto Delgado-Iribarren, Manuel E. Fuentes-Ferrer and José T. Ramos-Amador
Children 2022, 9(5), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9050665 - 05 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 was a global pandemic. Children develop a mild disease and may have a different rate of seroconversion compared to adults. The objective was to determine the number of seronegative patients in a pediatric cohort. We also reviewed the clinical–epidemiological features associated [...] Read more.
Background: SARS-CoV-2 was a global pandemic. Children develop a mild disease and may have a different rate of seroconversion compared to adults. The objective was to determine the number of seronegative patients in a pediatric cohort. We also reviewed the clinical–epidemiological features associated with seroconversion. Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study during September–November 2020, of COVID-19, confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Data were obtained 4–8 weeks after diagnosis. Blood samples were collected to investigate the humoral response, using three different serological methods. Results: A total of 111 patients were included (98 symptomatic), 8 were admitted to hospital, none required an Intensive Care Unit visit. Median age: 88 months (IQR: 24–149). Median time between diagnosis and serological test: 37 days (IQR: 34–44). A total of 19 patients were non-seroconverters when using three serological techniques (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.6–25.4); most were aged 2–10 years (35%, p < 0.05). Univariate analysis yielded a lower rate of seroconversion when COVID-19 confirmation was not present amongst household contacts (51.7%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was a high proportion of non-seroconverters. This is more commonly encountered in childhood than in adults. Most seronegative patients were in the group aged 2–10 years, and when COVID-19 was not documented in household contacts. Most developed a mild disease. Frequently, children were not the index case within the family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)

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7 pages, 233 KiB  
Case Report
Lactoferrin as Possible Treatment for Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Long COVID: Case Series and Literature Review
by Rosa Morello, Cristina De Rose, Sara Cardinali, Piero Valentini and Danilo Buonsenso
Children 2022, 9(10), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101446 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6087
Abstract
Long COVID is an emergent, heterogeneous, and multisystemic condition with an increasingly important impact also on the pediatric population. Among long COVID symptoms, patients can experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and dysphagia. Although there is no [...] Read more.
Long COVID is an emergent, heterogeneous, and multisystemic condition with an increasingly important impact also on the pediatric population. Among long COVID symptoms, patients can experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and dysphagia. Although there is no standard, agreed, and optimal diagnostic approach or treatment of long COVID in children, recently compounds containing multiple micronutrients and lactoferrin have been proposed as a possible treatment strategy, due to the long-standing experience gained from other gastrointestinal conditions. In particular, lactoferrin is a pleiotropic glycoprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory activities. Moreover, it seems to have several physiological functions to protect the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, we described the resolution of symptoms after the start of therapy with high doses of oral lactoferrin in two patients referred to our post-COVID pediatric unit due to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
6 pages, 239 KiB  
Case Report
Early Use of Sotrovimab in Children: A Case Report of an 11-Year-Old Kidney Transplant Recipient Infected with SARS-CoV-2
by Costanza Di Chiara, Daniele Mengato, Marica De Pieri, Germana Longo, Elisa Benetti, Francesca Venturini, Carlo Giaquinto and Daniele Donà
Children 2022, 9(4), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040451 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2248
Abstract
Background: The use of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies has been approved in fragile populations, including kidney transplant recipients, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19. Sotrovimab is the only currently available anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody with activity against the new Omicron variant of [...] Read more.
Background: The use of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies has been approved in fragile populations, including kidney transplant recipients, who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19. Sotrovimab is the only currently available anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody with activity against the new Omicron variant of concern. While sotrovimab has been approved in adolescents and adults, studies regarding its efficacy and safety in children aged less than 12 years old and weighing less than 40 kg are still lacking. Here, we report a first case of a child, who was treated early with sotrovimab after a kidney transplant. Case Report: At the end of January 2022, a 11-year-old male child underwent a deceased-donor kidney transplant and became infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first day after surgery. Due to the increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, based on the predominance of Omicron and the patient’s renal function, the child was treated with sotrovimab. The clinical course was successful and no adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions: For the first time, we report the well-tolerated use of sotrovimab in children under 12 years old. As the pandemic affects children across the globe, urgent data on sotrovimab dosing in children with a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children: Current Updates and Challenges)
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