Clinical features of 19 children infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Hangzhou, China.
10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2205122
- Author:
Zheng-Hong QI
1
;
Ze-Feng BEI
;
Shu TENG
1
;
Hua-Ping WANG
1
;
Wen LI
1
;
Shi-Yong ZHAO
1
;
Shou-Rong LIU
Author Information
1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Children's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Child;
Clinical feature;
Omicron variant;
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection
- MeSH:
Child;
Infant;
Male;
Female;
Humans;
Child, Preschool;
SARS-CoV-2;
COVID-19;
Retrospective Studies;
COVID-19 Vaccines;
China/epidemiology*
- From:
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
2022;24(10):1092-1097
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES:To study the clinical features of children infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
METHODS:The medical data of 19 children who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection from January 28 to March 3, 2022 in Hangzhou were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS:Among the 19 children, there were 7 boys (37%) and 12 girls (63%), and their age ranged from 6 months to 16 years, with a median age of 2 years and 1 month. Most of these children were infants and young children (aged ≤3 years, accounting for 53%). Among these children, 11 (58%) were unvaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and 8 (42%) were vaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and 3 children (16%) had a history of underlying diseases. All 19 children had a clear history of close contact with persons infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 10 children (53%) were involved in the cluster outbreak in a maternal and infant care center. In terms of clinical classification, 13 children (68%) had mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 6 (32%) had common COVID-19, with no severe cases of COVID-19. The most common clinical symptoms were cough (100%) and fever (63%). The children with a normal peripheral white blood cell count accounted for 84%, and those with a normal lymphocyte count accounted for 68%. There were no significant abnormalities in platelet count, procalcitonin, liver function parameters (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and renal function parameters (creatinine and urea). Six children (32%) had obvious signs of pneumonia on chest CT. All 19 children were given symptomatic treatment, and 12 children (63%) were given aerosol inhalation of interferon α. All children were cured and discharged.
CONCLUSIONS:Children infected with Omicron variant strains are more common in infants and young children, with mild symptoms and good prognosis. Most of the children have a history of close contact with persons infected with SARS-CoV-2, and epidemic prevention and control should be strengthened in places with many infants and children, such as maternal and infant care centers.
