Table 2 Main reasons for hospitalization of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to admission criteria
Indications for hospital admission | Admitted children N, (%) |
|---|---|
Absolute | |
Fever < 3 months of age | 2 (6.6) |
Persistence of high-grade fever (> 38.5°) beyond 5 days | 1 (3.3) |
Oxygen saturation < 92% OR signs of respiratory distress or tachypnoea | 2 (6.6) |
• 0–2 months = 60 breaths/min | |
• 2–12 months = 50 breaths/min | |
• 1–5 years = 40 breaths/min | |
• > 5 years = 20 breaths/min | |
Seizures or neurological symptoms | 3 (10) |
Lethargy, alteration in consciousness | 0 (0) |
Need for parenteral rehydration | 1 (3.3) |
Surgical condition and/or acute pain (es. renal colic, head trauma) | 3 (10) |
Congenital cyanotic heart diseases | 0 (0) |
Myocardial enzymes, coagulation, liver indices, or lactate dehydrogenase alteration | 0 (0) |
Relative | |
Aged < 12 months OR pre-existing conditionsa AND at least one of the following: | |
• Persistent fever for 3–5 days | 7 (23.3) |
• Oxygen saturation < 94% or mild respiratory distress | 2 (6.6) |
• Extra-pulmonary complications | 1 (3.3) |
• Co-infections | 2 (6.6) |
• Prematurity < 34 weeks or small for Gestational Age (< 2000 g) | 1 (3.3) |
• Reactivation of underlying chronic condition needed hospital procedures (i.e acidosis) | 1 (3.3) |
Biocontainment (risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 infection to at-risk cohabitants in the absence of other isolation/quarantine measures) | 4 (13.3) |