A Comprehensive Clinical Description of Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Western Pennsylvania

Freeman, Megan Culler; Gaietto, Kristina; DiCicco, Leigh Anne; Rauenswinter, Sherry; Squire, Joseph R.; Aldewereld, Zachary; Rapsinski, Glenn; Iagnemma, Jennifer; Campfield, Brian T.; Wolfson, David; Kazmerski, Traci M.; Forno, Erick

OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize clinical presentation and healthcare utilization for pediatric COVID-19 in Western Pennsylvania (PA). METHODS: We established and analyzed a registry of pediatric COVID-19 in Western PA that includes cases in patients <22 years of age cared for by the pediatric quaternary medical center in the area and its associated pediatric primary care network from March 11 through August 20, 2020. RESULTS: Our cohort included 424 pediatric COVID-19 cases (mean age 12.5 years, 47.4% female); 65% reported exposure and 79% presented with symptoms. The most common initial healthcare contact was through telehealth (45%). Most cases were followed as outpatients, but twenty-two patients (4.5%) were hospitalized: 19 with acute COVID-19 disease, and three for multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children (MIS-C). Admitted patients were younger (p<0.001) and more likely to have pre-existing conditions (p<0.001). Black/Hispanic patients were 5.8 times more likely to be hospitalized than white patients (p=0.012). Five patients (1.2%) were admitted to the PICU, including all three MIS-C cases; two required BiPAP and one mechanical ventilation. All patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a comprehensive snapshot of pediatric COVID-19 disease in an area with low to moderate incidence. In this cohort, COVID-19 was generally a mild disease; however, ~5% of children were hospitalized. Pediatric patients can be critically ill with this infection, including those presenting with MIS-C.