Abstract
BackgroundThe presence of co-morbidities, including underlying respiratory problems, has been identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. Information on the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is limited, yet vital to provide accurate advice for children with CF, their families, caregivers and clinical teams. MethodsCases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with CF aged less than 18 years were collated by the CF Registry Global Harmonization Group across 13 countries between 1 February and 7 August 2020. ResultsData on 105 children were collated and analysed. Median age of cases was ten years (interquartile range 6–15), 54% were male and median percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in one second was 94% (interquartile range 79–104). The majority (71%) of children were managed in the community during their COVID-19 illness. Out of 24 children admitted to hospital, six required supplementary oxygen and two non-invasive ventilation. Around half were prescribed antibiotics, five children received antiviral treatments, four azithromycin and one additional corticosteroids. Children that were hospitalised had lower lung function and reduced body mass index Z-scores. One child died six weeks after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 following a deterioration that was not attributed to COVID-19 disease. ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 infection in children with CF is usually associated with a mild illness in those who do not have pre-existing severe lung disease.
Highlights
The COVID-19 global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a profound impact around the world [1,2]
Cases were included if they had a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) and were either diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a respiratory sample or a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 was made in a hospital setting
Details of the method of diagnosis of COVID-19 were available in 96 children
Summary
The COVID-19 global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a profound impact around the world [1,2]. A spectrum of respiratory disease has been observed ranging from mild (asymptomatic or flu-like symptoms) to severe (acute respiratory distress syndrome, fulminant respiratory failure and high mortality) [2]. The presence of co-morbidities, including underlying respiratory problems, has been identified as a key risk factor for severe disease along with older age [4,5,6]. Most children remain asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms during infection [5,6]. The presence of co-morbidities, including underlying respiratory problems, has been identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. Information on the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is limited, yet vital to provide accurate advice for children with CF, their families, caregivers and clinical teams
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