Predictors of laboratory-positive COVID-19 in children and teenagers

Objective To identify factors predicting laboratory-positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in pediatric patients with acute respiratory symptoms. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study. Methods Data from 1,849 individuals were analyzed. COVID-19 was confirmed (reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in 15.9% and factors predicting a positive test result were evaluated through prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Increasing age, personal history of obesity, and household contact with a case were associated, in multiple regression model, with increased odds of a positive test result. Young patients residing in areas with higher population-sizes were less likely to be laboratory-confirmed, as wells as those with severe respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Early identification and isolation of children and teenagers with sug-gestive symptoms of COVID-19 is important to limit viral spread. We identified several factors predicting the laboratory test result. Our findings are relevant from a public health policy perspective, particularly after the restart of in-person academic activities.
Highlights • Children and teenagers play an important role in the spread of viral pathogens, including SARS-COV-2. • In this manuscript we identified factors associated with the odds of positive COVID-19 test results among children and teenager with acute respiratory symptoms. • Early identification and isolation of underaged individuals with COVID-19 may reduce the related disease burden. • Our findings may be highly relevant, from a public health policy perspective, after the restart of in-person academic activities all around the globe.