SURVEILLANCE OF SARS-COV-2 COVID 19 INFECTION IN A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL. URUGUAY PERIOD April 1, 2020 – July 31, 2022

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1592702215113

• Palavras-chave: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Hospital surveillance, Pediatric hospital

• Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Hospital surveillance, Pediatric hospital

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID 19 pandemic in pediatric care centers, action protocols and activities to contain the pandemic began to be implemented. Uruguay registered cases since 3/13/2020.

  GOAL: To describe the results of hospital surveillance and epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2 COVID 19 infection in the period 4/1/2020 and 7/21/2022 in a pediatric hospital.

  MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive observational study was carried out between 04/01/2020 and 07/21/2022, including all children aged 0 to 17 years diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR or antigen test, captured by the Infections Committee. Hospital (CIH) and Pediatric Epidemiology and Infectology Unit. Data source: CIH active surveillance records. Variables: sex, age, comorbidity, clinical presentation, COVID vaccination status, evolution, hospital outbreaks. Statistical analysis: frequency distribution and summary measures. Ethical considerations: Anonymity was guaranteed throughout the analysis and communication process. The study was approved by the Directorate of the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center (HP CHPR).

  RESULTS: In the period considered, 147,370 PCR tests were performed. A total of 527 positive cases were identified, 283 (53.7%) male. Age: Median 7.5 months, 226 (43%) aged 1 year or less. 125 patients had comorbidities (24%). 363 cases (68.8%) had symptoms, with the following distribution: fever 227 (43.1%), runny nose 220 (41.7%), cough 198 (37.6%), respiratory distress 127 (24.1%), digestive manifestations 74 (14%). 374 patients were attended in moderate care and 59 in intensive care. 6 died, none vaccinated. A single nosocomial outbreak was identified. There were no infections to personnel in the period studied.

  CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance and hospital control strategies have made it possible to identify COVID-19 cases in a timely manner and control transmission. The cases grew exponentially in line with the national epidemiological situation in the period considered.