Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: We evaluated the length of time
immunocompromised children (ICC) remain positive for SARS-CoV-2,
identified factors associated with viral persistence and determined
cycle threshold (CT) values of children with viral persistence as a
surrogate of viral load. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort
study of ICC at a pediatric hospital from March 2020-2021.
Immunocompromised status was defined as primary, secondary or acquired
due to medical comorbidities/immunosuppressive treatment. The primary
outcome was time to first-of-two consecutive negative SARS-CoV-2
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at least 24 hours apart. Testing
of sequential clinical specimens from the same subject was conducted
using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR
Diagnostic Panel assay. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier curve
median event times and log-rank-sum tests were used to compare outcomes
between groups. Results: Ninety-one children met inclusion criteria.
Median age was 15.5 years (IQR 8-18 yrs), 64% were male, 58% were
white, and 43% were Hispanic/Latinx. Most (67%) were tested in
outpatient settings and 58% were asymptomatic. The median time to two
negative tests was 42 days (IQR 25.0,55.0), with no differences in
median time by illness presentation or level of immunosuppression. Seven
children had >1 sample available for repeat testing, and
5/7 (71%) children had initial CT values of <30, (moderate to
high viral load); 4 children had CT values of <30 3-4 weeks
later, suggesting persistent moderate to high viral loads. Conclusions:
Most ICC with SARS-CoV-2 infection had mild disease, with prolonged
viral persistence >6 weeks and moderate to high viral load.