Severity, outcomes, and vaccination status in hospitalized children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during two pandemic waves

Authors

  • Irina Bulată-Pop CLUJ-NAPOCA
  • Angela Cozma Department 4- Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic IV, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
  • Violeta Tincuța Briciu Department of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
  • Mihaela Sorina Lupșe Department of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
  • Lia-Monica Junie Department of Microbiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400023 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-2850

Keywords:

COVID-19, children, disease severity, vaccination

Abstract

Background. The infection with SARS-CoV-2 in children usually manifests as a mild respiratory tract infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity, outcome and vaccination status in children hospitalized for COVID-19 in a single center during two pandemic waves determined by different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs).

Methods. A retrospective study on 656 consecutive pediatric patients was performed from September 1, 2021, to April 30, 2023. The study interval was divided into waves, according to official data on the circulation of Delta and Omicron VOCs. Data collected included sex, age, comorbidities, date of diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, vaccination status, clinical outcome.

Results. The Delta group consisted of 234 children with a mean age of approximately 9 years, while the Omicron group included 422 children with a mean age of around 2.5 years. Most cases were mild, although in the Omicron wave the hospitalization rate was higher and 41.7% of the cases were medium in severity. The presence of comorbidities was not linked to an increase in severity. Vaccination rates were low in both groups, with a mean of 4% for the total of eligible patients.

Conclusion. This pioneering study highlights the nature of COVID-19 in children, focusing on both clinical aspects and public health issues.

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Published

2025-01-31

How to Cite

1.
Bulată-Pop I, Cozma A, Briciu VT, Lupșe MS, Junie L-M. Severity, outcomes, and vaccination status in hospitalized children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during two pandemic waves. Med Pharm Rep [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 31 [cited 2025 Jul. 14];98(1):54-9. Available from: https://medpharmareports.com/index.php/mpr/article/view/2850

Issue

Vol. 98 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original Research

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