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

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify factors predicting laboratory-positive coronavirus disease 2019 (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 1849 individuals were analyzed. COVID-19 was confirmed (reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in 15.9% of patients, and factors predicting a positive test result were evaluated through prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Increasing age, personal history of obesity, and household contact with a case were found to be associated, in the multiple regression model, with increased odds of a positive test result. Young patients residing in areas with higher population sizes, as well as those with severe respiratory symptoms, were less likely to be laboratory confirmed.

Conclusions: Early identification and isolation of children and teenagers with suggestive 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.

Keywords: Adolescent; COVID-19; Child; Odds ratio; Real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Fig. 1

Study profile, Mexico 2020. COVID-19; coronavirus disease 2019; SARS-CoV-2; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; qRT-PCR, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.