Fattori di rischio per infezione grave da SARS-CoV-2 nei bambini: i dati in era prevaccinale di un anno di epidemia confermano che i bambini che si ammalano gravemente sono pochi e con comorbidità

Risk Factors for Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: Data in the pre vaccinal era of one year of epidemic confirm that children who become seriously ill are few and comorbid The results of a population-based surveillance conducted in 250 pediatric acute-care U.S.A. hospitals, during March 2020–May 2021 are described. Rates and risk factors for severe COVID-19 among a group of 2,293 children primarily admitted for COVID-19 are defined. Approximately 30% of the hospitalized children had severe COVID-19 and 0.5% died during hospitalization. By means of a multivariate analysis the possible risks of severe COVID-19 were identified. Among children aged <2 years, chronic lung disease, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, prematurity and airway abnormality were associated with severe COVID-19. Among children aged 2‒17 years, feeding tube dependence, diabetes mellitus and obesity were associated with severe COVID-19. These results are considered useful to identify children at risk of severe disease and who can benefit from COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination.