Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Hospitalization Rates: 77.9% of children and adolescents hospitalized during the study period were admitted for acute COVID-19.
2. Viral Coinfections: Approximately one third of children under 5 years had a viral coinfection, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common.
3. Obesity as a Risk Factor: Two thirds of adolescents aged 12-17 years hospitalized for COVID-19 had obesity, highlighting it as a significant risk factor.
4. Low Vaccination Rates: Only 0.4% of vaccine-eligible patients aged 12-17 years were fully vaccinated at the time of hospitalization.
5. Severe Illness and ICU Admissions: 29.5% of hospitalized patients required ICU admission, and 1.5% of the patients died.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Valentine Wanga, qdy0@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Wanga V, Gerdes ME, Shi DS, et al. Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years Hospitalized with COVID-19 — Six Hospitals, United States, July–August 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1766–1772. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm705152a3

Summary

This study examined the characteristics and clinical outcomes of children and adolescents under 18 years old hospitalized with COVID-19 across six U.S. hospitals during July–August 2021. The study found that the majority of these hospitalizations were due to acute COVID-19, with significant rates of viral coinfections and underlying conditions such as obesity. The data underscored the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to protect children, especially those with underlying health conditions.

Methods

Data were collected from six U.S. children’s hospitals in regions with high COVID-19 incidence. Medical records of patients under 18 years old hospitalized with COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed. Patients were categorized by the reason for hospitalization, and demographic characteristics, medical history, coinfections, and disease severity were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS and R software.

Discussion

The study highlighted the severe impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients, particularly those with underlying conditions like obesity. The findings showed that many hospitalized children had severe illness and required intensive care. The low vaccination rates among eligible adolescents pointed to the need for increased vaccination efforts. The study also noted the high rate of viral coinfections, particularly with RSV, which contributed to the severity of illness.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the critical need for COVID-19 vaccination and preventive strategies for children and adolescents, particularly those with underlying health conditions. The study calls for further research and surveillance to better understand viral coinfections and to inform public health strategies.

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