1189. COVID 19 Infection in Children in Colombia, Experience from a Nationwide Network (CORONARED)
Authors: Mesa-Monsalve Juan Gonzalo , Tobar Ivan Felipe Gutiérrez , Diaz Alejandro Diaz , Calle-Giraldo Juan Pablo , Chaucanez-Bastidas Yamile K , López-Cubillos Juan Francisco , Mendoza-Rosado Laura , Sarmiento-Wilches Patrik Eliana , Sosa-Ávila Luis M , Mejía-Rivera Luis Fernando , Rojas -Hernandez Juan P , Arango-ferreira Catalina , Hoyos-Orrego Álvaro Darío , Ortiz-Marín Diana Cristina , Vivas-Trochez Rosalba , Jaramillo-Arango Catalina , Garces carlos , Medina Eduardo López , Vinasco-Sánchez Luis Gabriel , Araque-Muñoz Paula , Londono-Ruiz Juan Pablo , Beltrán-Arroyave Claudia Patricia , Hurtado-Palacios Isabel C 
Published: December 2021

Background

Worldwide SARS-CoV-2 infections increase every day. Despite the infection is less severe in children, it can be severe and associated with complications. However, local data remain scarce. We sought to describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in this population across different age groups.

Methods

Observational, multicenter study across 23 Colombian hospitals from 22 different territories. We included all patients from 0 months to 17 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by either antigen or RT-PCR testing.

Results

From March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021, we identified 1,186 patients: neonates (88), 1 to 3 months (130), 4 to 23 months (306), 2 to 4 years (169), 5 to 11 years (229) and 12 to 18 years (226) with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Of those,77(6.2%) were asymptomatic, 631(53.2%) hospitalized, 132(11.2%) required PICU. 58 cases met WHO definition of MIS-C. Patients less than 24 months of age were characterized by fever (74%) and more respiratory distress (30.1%) compared to other groups. Patients &gt;5yo seemed to have a more severe presentation. They had more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (31% vs 37.8%), had more need for ICU care given presentation with shock increased with age ( &gt;5yo 9.5%; 5-12yo 10.6%; 12-18yo 11.5%). Lab markers including thrombocytopenia and Lymphopenia were more common on this age group. Antibiotic treatment was common (%%) especially in neonates (40.9%), despite bacterial coinfection was rare (8.7%), length of hospitalization was longer in older than 2-year-old groups. 23(1.9%) patients died, similar across different age groups.

Heat map by age group

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection in Colombian children presented differently across different age groups. Children older than 5 years had a more severe clinical course and prolonged hospital stays. Clinical findings according to age groups could help clinicians in characterizing and identifying COVID 19 infections in Children.

Disclosures

Ivan Felipe Gutiérrez Tobar, n/a, Pfizer and MSD (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker’s Bureau, Has received support from Pfizer and MSD for participation in congresses and has received conference payments from Pfizer)Pfizer and MSD (Speaker’s Bureau, Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses) Juan P. Rojas -Hernandez, Candidate for doctorate in Public Health, Pfizer (Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses) Eduardo López Medina, n/a, Pfizer (Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses)