key: cord-0724091-yqceu8a1
authors: Wang, Chunya; Zhao, Pan
title: Critical Concerns About 2019 Novel Coronavirus Infection in Pediatric Population
date: 2020-04-17
journal: Mayo Clin Proc
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.04.008
sha: cb8458679d8e71dcbaaaffb6d41a00e439089ecd
doc_id: 724091
cord_uid: yqceu8a1

nan

To the Editor: Over the past few days, the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) has gathered international momentum. Yet today, its epidemiology remains poorly understood. For example, there is no certainty about the source of the outbreak, and the natural reservoir host of the virus has yet not been identified. 1 Such uncertainties challenge the control of the epidemic. At the time of writing, the number of reported cases infected with 2019-nCov, globally, continues to rise. However, according to the existing data, the reported number of pediatric cases with confirmed 2019-nCov infection is not high, and the majority of pediatric patients appear to be mild or asymptomatic. [2] [3] [4] Nonetheless, there are several concerns that particularly apply to the pediatric population. Is the clinical prognosis of the pediatric cases with confirmed 2019-nCov infection generally better than that of adult cases? Based on the limited data currently available from pediatric cases, mortality thus far has scarcely been reported.

Taken together, and based on available evidence, it seems that the clinical prognosis of pediatric affected cases may be less severe as compared with adults with the disease. However, due to the lack of effective therapeutic approaches, vigilance must be exercised about viral variation and any corresponding changes in the transmissibility and pathogenicity. Considering the scarcity of studies on pediatric patients, the answer to this question remains unresolved.

April 8, 2020 Letter to the Editor Should the psychological health of the children who are isolated due to the infection or separated from their infected family members be evaluated? For these children, isolation restrictions are severe, leading to separation from their parents or other family members for a period of time. Experience during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreaks showed that the negative impact of isolation on children separated from their families remained a psychosocial concern in pediatric settings.5 We accordingly suggest that pediatric health care providers or guardians of entrustment pay attention to the emotional status of these children and ways that may safeguard their emotional health. 

April 8, 2020 Letter to the Editor

Genomic characterisation and epidemiology of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for virus origins and receptor binding

Novel coronavirus infection in hospitalized infants under 1 year of age in China

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of novel coronavirus infections involving 13 patients outside Wuhan