PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN DISEASE SEVERITY AMONG HOSPITALIZED PEDIATRIC
PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN THE EPICO
STUDY
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection has been extensively
documented since the onset of the pandemic, particularly in the adult
population. However, there is a lack of evidence describing the
phenotypic manifestations of the disease in the pediatric population. We
aimed to characterize the clinical phenotypes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in
hospitalized children. Methods: The EPICO study is a
multicenter cohort conducted between April 2020- November 2021,
involving 55 institutions in Spain and 13 institutions in Colombia.
Hospitalized children aged 29 days to 17 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2
infection were included to determine the disease´s evolution, severity
factors, and outcomes. Cluster analysis was conducted to characterize
clinical phenotypes. Results: A total of 2318 patients from
Colombian and Spanish institutions were included. The population was
55% male, with infants being the largest group (36%). Five distinct
phenotype clusters emerged, differing significantly in clinical and
epidemiological characteristics. Cluster 1 (26.57%) consisted of
infants without comorbidities, with low PICU admission and mortality
rates. Cluster 2 (18.5%) had respiratory comorbidities, high
co-detection, and mortality rates. Cluster 3 (11.51%) showed fever,
gastrointestinal symptoms, and high PICU admission. Cluster 4 (32.09%)
had mild unspecific symptoms and low mortality. Cluster 5 (11.3%)
included adolescents without comorbidities, with low co-detection and
hospitalization rates. Comparable findings were observed in both
countries. Conclusion: Our study successfully identified
distinct patterns of clinical and epidemiological characteristics
associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized pediatric patients.
These findings may help shape future guidelines and improve risk
stratification in children.