COVID‐19 increased in Italian children in the autumn and winter 2021–2022 period when Omicron was the dominant variant. (31st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Curatola, Antonietta; Ferretti, Serena; Graglia, Benedetta; Capossela, Lavinia; Menchinelli, Giulia; Fiori, Barbara; Chiaretti, Antonio; Sanguinetti, Maurizio; Gatto, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 112:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2022-10-31
• Subjects: clinical severity -- Omicron variant -- paediatric emergency department -- pandemic; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.16576
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: We examined the prevalence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in children during the autumn and winter season from 1 September 2021 to 30 January 2022 and compared it with the same period in 2020–2021. Methods: This study was carried out int the paediatric emergency department (PED) of a tertiary Italian hospital. We compared the clinical and demographical features of all children who presented during the two study periods and tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Results: During the 2021–2022 autumn and winter season 5813 children presented to the PED, 19.0% were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 and 133 (12.0%) of those tested positive. In 2020–2021, 2914 presented to the PED, 12.3% were tested, and 30 (8.3%) of those tested positive. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical severity during the two study periods, despite a higher percentage of neurological symptoms in 2020–2021. Of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive cases, 29/133 (21.8%) were hospitalised during the 2021–2022 season and 10/30 (33.3%) during the previous one. Only 3/163 children required intensive care. Conclusion: The greater spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 was probably due to the greater transmissibility of the Omicron variant, but the symptoms were mild and only 3 children required intensive care.