Recent Insights into COVID-19 in Children and Clinical Recommendations

Curr Pediatr Rev. 2022;18(2):121-137. doi: 10.2174/1573396317666211206124347.

Abstract

Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been recognized in multiple countries globally. In this review, we provide recent insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection in children from epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory perspectives, including reports on the disease course and therapy. We highlight key features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, the relationship between MIS-C and Kawasaki disease, and summarize treatment guidelines for COVID-19 in children from institutional protocols from Colombia, case reports, recommendations based on expert consensus, and official statements from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases, and the Colombian Society of Pediatrics. Finally, we discuss gaps in research with suggestions for future research on the pathogenesis underlying pediatric COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; children; inflammation; kawasaki disease; multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome* / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / therapy
  • United States

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related