Demographic predictors of hospitalization and mortality in U.S. children with COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Understanding which children are at increased risk for poor outcome with COVID-19 is critical. In this study, we link pediatric population-based data from the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention to COVID-19 hospitalization and in-hospital death. In 27,045 U.S. children with confirmed COVID-19, we demonstrate that African American [OR 2.28 (95% CI: 1.93, 2.70)] or mixed race [OR 2.95 (95% CI: 2.28, 3.82)] and an underlying medical condition [OR 3.55 (95% CI: 3.14, 4.01)] are strong predictors for hospitalization. Death occurred in 39 (0.19%) of 20,096 hospitalized children; children with a prior medical condition had an increased odd for death [OR 8.8 (95% CI: 3.7, 21.1)].Conclusion: Hospitalization and in-hospital death are rare in children diagnosed with COVID-19. However, children at higher risk for these outcomes include those with an un underlying medical condition, as well as those of African American descent.