Predictors of laboratory-positive COVID-19 in children and teenagers

Murillo-Zamora, Efre´n; Aguilar-Sollano, Felipe; Delgado-Enciso, Iva´n; Hernandez-Suarez, Carlos M.

Objective To identify factors predicting laboratory-positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in pediatric patients with acute respiratory symptoms. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study. Methods Data from 1,849 individuals were analyzed. COVID-19 was confirmed (reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in 15.9% and factors predicting a positive test result were evaluated through prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Increasing age, personal history of obesity, and household contact with a case were associated, in multiple regression model, with increased odds of a positive test result. Young patients residing in areas with higher population-sizes were less likely to be laboratory-confirmed, as wells as those with severe respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Early identification and isolation of children and teenagers with sug-gestive symptoms of COVID-19 is important to limit viral spread. We identified several factors predicting the laboratory test result. Our findings are relevant from a public health policy perspective, particularly after the restart of in-person academic activities.