Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Infection and sepsis
- Mechanical ventilation
- Medical
- Nursing
- Respiratory
Summary
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies examining comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 in children, defined as intensive care admission, invasive mechanical ventilation and/or death. Risk factors identified included neonatal age, prematurity, obesity, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, neurologic disease and immunocompromised status, while asthma and neurodevelopmental disorders were not significant in subgroup analysis. The findings are intended to support risk stratification for hospital admission and vaccination prioritisation. Useful background for PICU teams assessing which children with SARS-CoV-2 are likely to deteriorate.
Summary written for PICUlearn. Always read the original.
- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
The full text of this openly licensed paper is available to PICUlearn members, and Peeky can answer questions from it.
Guidelines are shown for education. Follow your unit's own guidance and senior advice.