A Comprehensive Clinical Description of Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Western Pennsylvania

ObjectiveWe sought to characterize clinical presentation and healthcare utilization for pediatric COVID-19 in Western Pennsylvania (PA). MethodsWe established and analyzed a registry of pediatric COVID-19 in Western PA that includes cases in patients <22 years of age cared for by the pediatric quaternary medical center in the area and its associated pediatric primary care network from March 11 through August 20, 2020. ResultsOur cohort included 424 pediatric COVID-19 cases (mean age 12.5 years, 47.4% female); 65% reported exposure and 79% presented with symptoms. The most common initial healthcare contact was through telehealth (45%). Most cases were followed as outpatients, but twenty-two patients (4.5%) were hospitalized: 19 with acute COVID-19 disease, and three for multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children (MIS-C). Admitted patients were younger (p<0.001) and more likely to have pre-existing conditions (p<0.001). Black/Hispanic patients were 5.8 times more likely to be hospitalized than white patients (p=0.012). Five patients (1.2%) were admitted to the PICU, including all three MIS-C cases; two required BiPAP and one mechanical ventilation. All patients survived. ConclusionsWe provide a comprehensive snapshot of pediatric COVID-19 disease in an area with low to moderate incidence. In this cohort, COVID-19 was generally a mild disease; however, [~]5% of children were hospitalized. Pediatric patients can be critically ill with this infection, including those presenting with MIS-C.