EP417 - LONG-TERM IMPACT OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION IN CHILDREN PRESENTING TO TYGERBERG HOSPITAL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (ID 1240)
- Isabelle Dewandel (South Africa)
- Rolanda Croucamp (South Africa)
- Carla Mckenzie (South Africa)
- Margaret Van Niekerk (South Africa)
- Andrew Redfern (South Africa)
- Lilly Verhagen (Netherlands)
- Mathilda Claassen (South Africa)
- Shannon K. Wilson (South Africa)
- Gert Van Zyl (South Africa)
- Helena Rabie (South Africa)
- Marieke M Van der Zalm (South Africa)
Abstract
Backgrounds:
Little is known about long-term impact of COVID-19 in children in low-middle income countries.
Methods
In this prospective observational cohort study, children aged 0-13 years were recruited from Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa between June 2020 and September 2021, presenting with either 1) acute respiratory illness, 2) confirmed COVID-19 PCR or 3) COVID-19 contact. Clinical data and serum samples were obtained at baseline and children were followed 3 months and 1 year later in a subgroup.
Results:
A total of 100 children were enrolled, median age 7 months (interquartile range 2.0-32.5 months), 61 (61%) male; 2 (2%) HIV-infected and 25 (25.3%) HIV-exposed. A total of 44 (44%) children tested COVID-19 PCR positive, without significant difference in demographic characteristics according to COVID-19 status. Underlying comorbidities were seen more frequently in COVID PCR positive cases (40.9%) compared to COVID negative cases (33.9%) (p=0.47). One year after initial enrolment 12/41 (29.3%) children had persistent or recurrent symptoms and were more likely to be COVID-19 PCR positive (60%) versus COVID-19 negative (19.4%; p=0.04). A total of 40/100 (40%) children were readmitted, without significant difference between children with or without previous COVID-19 diagnosis (40.9% versus 39.3%, p=0.87). At baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found in 43/85 (50.6%) versus 31/39 (79.5%) 1 year later. Rising immunity was observed in both COVID-19 PCR positive and negative children (72.2% baseline versus 90% week 52, p=0.157 and 34.7% baseline versus 75.9% week 52, p=0.177, respectively).
Conclusions/Learning Points:
Children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have symptoms 1 year later. An upward trend of SARS-CoV-2 immunity for COVID-19 PCR positive and negative children was seen over time, which likely reflects community transmission in the population with asymptomatic illness.
