Risk factors linked to severe pediatric COVID-19Two recent studies in Pediatrics look at risk factors for severe pediatric COVID-19 and COVID deaths in those younger than 21 years of age.The first study, which was published in the October print issue, involved 2,293 US children hospitalized for COVID-19 across 14 states from March 2020 to May 2021.
About 30% had severe COVID-19, and 0.5% died. Increased risk factors for severe COVID-19 were stratified across two-age groups: those less than 2 years (32.5% of the cohort) and those who were 2 to 17 years (67.5%).The younger group had increased risk associated with chronic lung disease (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 2.2.), neurologic disorders (aRR, 2.0), cardiovascular disease (aRR, 1.7),