Niñas, niños y jóvenes hospitalizados por COVID-19 a diferentes altitudes
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Gac Med Bol
Abstract
Objetivos: analizar la gravedad de la evolución clínica de la COVID-19 en niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes de ambos sexos hospitalizados en diferentes altitudes de Bolivia entre 2020 y 2023. Método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos con 412 pacientes de ambos sexos de 0 a 24 años, hospitalizados con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se describió el manejo clínico y se analizaron las variables sexo, edad, ola pandémica, altitud, enfermedades preexistentes y signos y síntomas al ingreso. Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística multivariable para identificar los factores asociados con el desarrollo de una evolución severa o crítica de la COVID-19. Resultados: el 45,9% (n=189) de los pacientes presentó una evolución severa o crítica de la COVID-19 durante la hospitalización. Se observó un mayor riesgo en pacientes que vivían a gran altitud (OR: 3,05; p < 0,001; IC del 95%: 1,65-5,62) y en aquellos con disnea al ingreso (OR: 3,39; p < 0,001; IC del 95%: 2,03-5,66). Conclusiones: vivir a gran altitud se asoció con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar una evolución severa o crítica de COVID-19 en niños y jóvenes hospitalizados. Se necesitan más investigaciones para determinar de forma concluyente si el riesgo relacionado con la altitud se debe principalmente a factores biológicos o sociales.
Objective: to analyze the severity of the clinical course of COVID-19 in children and youth, hospitalized across different altitudes in Bolivia between 2020 and 2023. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on 412 patients of both sexes between 0-24 years of age, hospitalized with a COVID-19 diagnosis. Clinical management was described, and the variables sex, age, pandemic wave, altitude level, preexisting conditions, and signs and symptoms at admission were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the development of severe or critical course of COVID-19. Results: A severe or critical course of COVID-19 developed in 45.9% (n=189) of patients during hospitalization. Higher risk was found in patients living at very high altitudes (OR 3,05; p<0,001; 95% CI 1,65-5,62) and those with dyspnea at admission (OR 3,39; p<0,001; 95% CI 2.03-5.66). Conclusions: Living at very high altitudes was associated with an increased risk of developing a severe or critical course of COVID-19 in hospitalized children and youth. Further research is needed to conclusively determine whether the altitude-related risk is primarily due to biological or social factors.
Objective: to analyze the severity of the clinical course of COVID-19 in children and youth, hospitalized across different altitudes in Bolivia between 2020 and 2023. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on 412 patients of both sexes between 0-24 years of age, hospitalized with a COVID-19 diagnosis. Clinical management was described, and the variables sex, age, pandemic wave, altitude level, preexisting conditions, and signs and symptoms at admission were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the development of severe or critical course of COVID-19. Results: A severe or critical course of COVID-19 developed in 45.9% (n=189) of patients during hospitalization. Higher risk was found in patients living at very high altitudes (OR 3,05; p<0,001; 95% CI 1,65-5,62) and those with dyspnea at admission (OR 3,39; p<0,001; 95% CI 2.03-5.66). Conclusions: Living at very high altitudes was associated with an increased risk of developing a severe or critical course of COVID-19 in hospitalized children and youth. Further research is needed to conclusively determine whether the altitude-related risk is primarily due to biological or social factors.
Description
Vol. 48, No. 2