The clinical features and impact of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection in children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF): A Qatari experience

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been reported to cause mild illness without pre-existing severe lung disease. This review described the clinical presentation and course of COVID-19 infection in children with CF in Qatar. Methods: The pediatric CF registry of 51 patients in Qatar was reviewed for COVID-19 cases from February 2020 to February 2022. Demographics, vaccination status, symptoms, and course were reviewed. Data were expressed as median, range, frequencies, and percentages. Results: The study included eight patients with CF below 18 years of age infected with COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 in children with CF was 15.7%. The median age was 11 (2-18) years. Half of the cohort were males. Seven patients were pancreatic sufficient (I1234V mutation), and one was pancreatic insufficient (3129del4 mutation). The median baseline FEV1 was 91 (78-107%) predicted. None had received CFTR modulators or undergone a lung transplant. Three patients were vaccinated before their infections. Two of them were asymptomatic. Six patients (75%) had a cough and flu-like symptoms. Three patients had a fever. Two patients were hospitalized due to pulmonary exacerbation; both had mild CF-lung disease. None required respiratory support. Conclusion: We report a favorable outcome of COVID-19 infection in children with CF, similar to published international studies. Our findings are attributable to the community-dominant milder CFTR mutation, precautionary measures, and causative COVID-19 strain. More longitudinal data are needed to study these factors as potential protective mechanisms.