Mild and moderate manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including hospitalization, in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

Background: Santos et al. analyzed the clinical characteristics and pulmonary function of children with cystic fibrosis infected with SARS-CoV-2. Infected children showed higher rates of dyspnea, coughing, hospitalization, and pulmonary exacerbations. Despite a temporary decline in pulmonary function, the recovery rates matched those of the uninfected children during follow-up. ■ SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to mild-to-moderate disease in children with cystic fibrosis. ■ No worsening of cystic fibrosis was observed months after infection.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Methods: This was a case-control analysis of clinical variables and pulmonary function test results in 43 children with cystic fibrosis, 17 (39.5%) of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Results: The infected children exhibited a higher frequency of dyspnea and cough and a greater need for hospitalization. One infected child died. Pulmonary exacerbations were more frequent among the infected children. Additional data indicated a subsequent reduction in pulmonary function in the infected children, although this was not significantly different from that in the uninfected children.

Conclusion: Children with cystic fibrosis who contracted SARS-CoV-2 experienced mild to moderate symptoms and required hospitalization but generally had high recovery rates.