SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Cross-sectional
Multicenter Study in Spain. New waves, new knowledge.
Abstract
Introduction Viral infections are associated with pulmonary
exacerbations in children with Cystic Fibrosis (cwCF), but after 3 years
of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, whether cwCF are at higher risk of developing
COVID-19 or its adverse consequences remains controversial.
Methods We conducted an observational, multicenter,
cross-sectional study of cwCF infected by SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020
and June 2022, (1 st to 6 th
COVID-19 pandemic waves) in Spain. The study aimed to describe patients’
basal characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 clinical manifestations and outcomes,
and whether there were differences across the pandemic waves.
Results During study time, 351 SARS-CoV2 infections were
reported among 341 cwCF. Median age was 8.5 years (range 0-17) and 51%
were female. Cases were unevenly distributed across the pandemic, with
most cases (82%) clustered between November 2021 and June 2022 (6
th wave, also known as Omicron Wave due to the higher
prevalence of this strain in that period in Spain). Most cwCF were
asymptomatic (24.8%) or presented with mild Covid-19 symptoms (72.9%).
Among symptomatic, most prevalent symptoms were fever (62%) and
increased cough (53%). No multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C),
persisting symptoms, long-term sequelae or deaths were reported.
Conclusions Spanish current data indicate that cwCF do not
experience higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection nor worse health
outcomes or sequelae. Changes in patients’ basal characteristics,
clinical courses and outcomes were detected across waves. While the
pandemic continues, and new SARS-CoV-2 variants are being identified, a
worldwide monitoring of COVID-19 in pediatric CF patients is needed.