Comparison of Epidemiologic and Clinical COVID-19 Profiles in Children in Argentina, During Circulation of Original and Variant (Alpha, Gamma and Lambda) Strains. Issue 2 (15th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gentile, Angela; Juárez, María Del Valle; Romero Bollon, Lucia; Aprea, Valeria; Matteucci, Erika; Falaschi, Andrea; Brizuela, Martin; Euliarte, Cristina; Gregorio, Gabriela; Della Latta, Maria Paula; Russ, Carlota; Ensinck, Gabriela Nidia; Saraceni, Liliana; Bruno, Miriam; Garnero, Analía; Cohen Arazi, Laura; Melonari, Pablo; Pebe Florian, Victor; Bogdanowicz, Elizabeth; Gaiano, Alejandra; Bellone, Luciana; Areso, Maria Soledad
• Other Names: Lucion Florencia author non-byline.; Cancelara Aldo Daniel author non-byline.; Manino Leonardo author non-byline.; Rodriguez Saa Carolina author non-byline.; Corallo Teresa Alicia author non-byline.; Fernandez Tatiana author non-byline.; Giansiracusa Daniel author non-byline.; Gif Mercedes author non-byline.; Irasegui Hernan author non-byline.; Lavitola Mariana author non-byline.; Alvarez Laura V. author non-byline.; Langan María Eugenia author non-byline.; Gareis Maria Shirley author non-byline.; Vanzo Carolina author non-byline.; Gismondi Belen author non-byline.; Nuñez Marcela author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric infectious disease journal. Volume 42:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2022-11-15
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- children -- variants; Communicable diseases in children -- Periodicals; Infection in children -- Periodicals; 618.929
• DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003776
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-3668

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Information on the impact of the different variants in children in Latin America is scarce. The objective of this study was to describe epidemiologic and clinical features of COVID-19 infection in children under 18 years of age in Argentina, comparing the periods before and after the circulation of new variants. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, multicentric, analytical study. All patients under 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted at 22 healthcare centers were included. Two study periods were established: Period 1 (EW10-2020 to EW12-2021) for the Wuhan strain; Period 2 (EW13 to EW35 2021) for Alpha, Gamma, Delta and Lambda variants. Findings: A total of 6330 confirmed cases were included. Period 1: 3575 (56.5%), period 2: 2755 (43.5%). During period 2, a lower number of asymptomatic cases was observed, while general, respiratory and neurologic signs and symptoms increased in all age groups. Oxygen therapy requirement was higher during the first period (36.7% vs 19.1%; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the rates of severe or critical cases (6.3% vs 5, 4%; P = 0.102), intensive care admission (2.1% vs 2%; P < 0.656) or case fatality (0.3% vs 0.5 %; P < 0.229). MIS-C cases occurred more frequently during the first period (1.9% vs 1.1%; P = 0.009) Interpretation: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in Argentina has evolved. With the emergence of new variants, although the number of asymptomatic cases declined, numbers of severe and critical cases, as well as case fatality rates in children, remained unchanged.