Main changes in the "COVID-19 in paediatrics" clinical practice guideline

Abstract

We present a summary of the main modifications to the "COVID-19 in Paediatrics" clinical practice guideline made from its initial version, published in 2021, and the version published in 2022. The document was developed following the structured steps of evidence-based medicine and applying the GRADE system to synthesize the evidence, assess its quality and, when appropriate, issue graded recommendations (based on the quality of the evidence, values and preferences, the balance between benefits, risks and costs, equity and feasibility). This update also includes the modifications proposed by external reviewers. We summarised the main modifications in the following sections: epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and vaccines. In relation to the body of knowledge achieved in the first year of the pandemic, the literature published in the second year contributed additional data, but without substantial modifications in many the areas. The main changes took place in the field of vaccine research. This update was completed in December 2021, coinciding with the emergence of infections by the omicron variant, so the document will need to be updated in the future.

Keywords: Actualización; COVID-19; Clínica; Diagnosis; Diagnóstico; Epidemiology; Epidemiología; Evidence-based medicine; Medicina basada en la evidencia; Paediatrics; Pediatría; Prevención; Prevention; Signs and symptoms; Tratamiento; Treatment; Update; Vaccines; Vacunas.