Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in new-onset type 1 diabetes in children during pandemic in Belgium

Messaaoui, Anissa; Hajselova, Lucia; Tenoutasse, Sylvie

OBJECTIVES: Questions are emerging concerning the long-term consequences of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, as a possible increase in type 1 diabetes. This study aims to describe the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children developing type 1 diabetes during this pandemic in Belgium. METHODS: This observational study included children and adolescents (under 16 years) admitted with new-onset type 1 diabetes. SARS-CoV-2 serology was taken within the first month of diabetes. RESULTS: Of the 75 participants, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were positive in 20% of patients. They had an increased bicarbonate and base excess at diagnosis. Overall 29% of patients presented diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis and 9% of them were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insulinoma-associated protein 2 antibodies positivity had significantly higher frequencies in children without anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (49 (81%) vs. 5 (33%), p=0.038). Nine (15%) patients, initially seronegative, have developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between the two samples (mean time 8 ± 4 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (20%) is similar to that found in children without diabetes in Belgium, a country severely affected by this pandemic.