Though COVID-19 has impacted many children, severe disease is rare and most recover with supportive care. Manifestations are diverse and are often non-respiratory. Adolescents and children with medical comorbidities are at risk for severe respiratory compromise. The most serious manifestation in previously healthy children is a delayed multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) with cardiac compromise in severe cases. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies are available for adolescents at risk of progression and not hospitalized for COVID-19. Therapeutic options for severe respiratory disease with hypoxia include Remdesivir and glucocorticoids. Therapies for MIS-C include intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids. Refractory cases may benefit from additional immunomodulators.
COVID-19 in Children