scholarly journals Risk Factors for Difficult Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation. The PIVV2 Multicentre Case-Control Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Calero ◽  
Joan Ernest de Pedro-Gomez ◽  
Luis Javier Molero-Ballester ◽  
Ismael Fernandez-Fernandez ◽  
Catalina Matamalas-Massanet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Vascular Access ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Control Study

Background. Difficult peripheral intravenous cannulation (DPIVC) is associated with serious complications related to vascular access. These complications might be avoided if the risk factors were identified previously, enabling the detection of potentially difficult situations at an early stage. The aim of this study is to consider these risk factors, to determine the influence of the hospital setting, to examine the association between DPIVC and the different techniques of catheter insertion and to analyse the importance of the clinician’s experience in this context. Methods. Case-control study following a previously published protocol, conducted in 48 units of eight public hospitals in Spain. Adult patients requiring a peripheral intravenous cannula were prospectively included in the study population during their hospital stay. Over a period of 11 months, for consecutive eligible patients, nurses in each participating unit recorded data on their assessment of the vascular access performed and the technique used. Variables related to these medical personnel were also recorded. One of the researchers reviewed the patients’ clinical history to compile the relevant health variables and to characterise the healthcare process. The statistical analysis included association tests among the main study variables. The risk factors were analysed using bivariate logistic regression. The variables found to be statistically significant were included in a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating each of the healthcare environments identified. Results. The study population was composed of 2662 patients, of whom 221 (8.3%) presented with DPIVC. A previous history of difficulty, the presence of non-palpable veins, acute upper limb alterations and punctures in the ante-cubital fossa were found to be independent risk factors for DPIVC. Differences were found in the frequency of occurrence of DPIVC and in some risk factors, according to the healthcare context. The variables related to the characteristics of the hospital personnel did not influence the study event. Conclusion: The present study identifies four independent risk factors for DPIVC that can be incorporated into algorithms aimed at preventing its occurrence and facilitating the referral of patients to vascular access specialist teams.

scholarly journals Determinants of Neural Tube Defects among Newborns in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Abay Woday Tadesse ◽  
Ayesheshim Muluneh Kassa ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
Control Study

Background. Worldwide, an estimated 300,000 neonates are born with neural tube defects (NTDs) each year. However, NTDs are underreported in Ethiopia though it causes substantial mortality, morbidity, disability, and psychological and economic cost in the country. Moreover, the factors attributed to NTDs were not addressed. Hence, this study intended to identify the determinants of neural tube defects in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods. A case-control study design was conducted among 400 newborns (133 cases and 267 controls) who were born at randomly selected public hospitals. Cases were identified using the physician diagnosis of confirmed NTDs, and the two consecutive controls were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data analysis was done using Stata 14.0. Variables with p value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model, and a corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to identify the predictors of NTDs. Results. In this study, fifty percent (48%) of the cases were contributed by anencephaly. After controlling the covariates, living in rural areas ( AOR = 1.78 : 95% CI 1.02, 3.11), being illiterate ( AOR = 1.81 : 95% CI 1.07, 4.61), being female newborn ( AOR = 1.95 : 95% CI 1.09, 3.50), having no ANC follow-up ( AOR = 1.93 : 95% CI 1.17, 5.04), and having a previous history of NTDs ( AOR = 4.39 : 95% CI 2.42, 7.96) were the risk factors for NTDs. However, being supplemented with folic acid or multivitamins before or during pregnancy ( AOR = 0.37 : 95% CI 0.21, 0.65), never having taken any substance during pregnancy ( AOR = 0.42 : 95% CI 0.21, 0.88), and being free from medical illnesses during pregnancy ( AOR = 0.27 : 95% CI 0.11, 0.69) were the protective factors of NTDs. Conclusion. The study revealed different factors associated with NTDs among newborns in the region. Therefore, comprehensive preventive strategies focused on identified risk factors are needed at regional and national levels.

scholarly journals Risk factors of non-typhoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis in hospitalised young children: a case–control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000898
Author(s):  
Pei Yee Woh ◽  
May Pui Shan Yeung ◽  
E Anthony S Nelson ◽  
William Bernard III Goggins
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽  
Control Study

ObjectiveTo explore risk factors associated with non-typhoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis in young children in Hong Kong.DesignA case–control study.SettingPaediatrics wards at three public hospitals in Hong Kong.ParticipantsCases were children aged above 30 days to below 5 years hospitalised for gastroenteritis at three public hospitals in Hong Kong with culture confirmed non-typhoidal Salmonella infection. Controls were age-matched (±2 months) children admitted for a reason other than gastroenteritis.Main outcomes measuresA face-to-face interview by using standardised questionnaire on exposures 3 days prior to illness. Adjusted OR (aORs) and 95% CIs were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 102 cases and 204 age-matched controls were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that having food purchased from places other than a supermarket, that is, from wet market/restaurant/farm (aOR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.03 to 6.77; p=0.044) was a significant risk factor for non-typhoidal Salmonella infection. Having a household member with gastroenteritis symptoms (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 0.94 to 4.39; p=0.072) was of borderline significance and playing at a children’s indoor playroom was a protective factor (aOR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.85; p=0.024).ConclusionsConsumption of food purchased from places other than a supermarket was the identified determinant factor for non-typhoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis in Hong Kong. Parents/caregivers should be alerted to this risk when choosing foods for their young children. The protective effect of playing in an indoor playroom could be confounded by socioeconomic factors and further investigation is required to better understand its potential implication. There was some support for person-to-person transmission and good family hygiene needs to be emphasised.

scholarly journals The combination of initial markers to predict refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Chinese children: a case control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Wen ◽  
Yufei Su ◽  
Hongli Sun ◽  
Huiping Zhang ◽  
Hui Li
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Control Study ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Objective Thise study is aimed to identify the biomarkers for predicting refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Chinese children at the time of the hospital admission. Methods The case control study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and laboratory results of Chinese pediatric patients presenting with common and refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (CMPP and RMPP). Overall, there were 216 cases in the CMPP group and 88 cases in the RMPP group. Venous blood was collected, and serum ferritin (SF), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), and other indexes were measured. A single factor analysis, an ROC curve analysis, and a logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors of RMPP and find combination of initial markers for RMPP. Results There were significant differences between the RMPP group and the CMPP group in mean SF (529.82 [357.86] vs. 147.22 [122.68] ng/mL), LDH (522.08 [389.08] vs. 286.85 [101.02] U/L), D-dimer (6.65 [5.66] vs. 1.46 [2.45] μg/mL), CRP (62.80 [52.15] vs. 19.03 [24.50] mg/L), PCT (0.80 [2.61] vs. 0.16 [0.44]) ng/mL, and NLR (4.14 [2.52] vs. 2.62 [1.55]), with P < 0.05 for each comparison. ROC cut-off values of the above indexes were 329.01 ng/mL, 375.50 U/L, 2.10 μg/mL, 43.08 mg/L, 0.08 ng/mL, and 2.96, respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed that SF, D-dimer, and CRP are independent risk factors to predict RMPP. Conclusion SF, D-dimer, and CRP are statistically significant biomarkers to predict RMPP in Chinese children patients in the settings of pediatric emergency department.

Risk factors and outcomes of postoperative emergency response team activation: a matched case-control study

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
Matthew I Hardman ◽  
◽  
S Chandralekha Kruthiventi ◽  
Michelle R Schmugge ◽  
Alexandre N Cavalcante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Response Team ◽  
Control Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine patient and perioperative characteristics associated with unexpected postoperative clinical deterioration as determined for the need of a postoperative emergency response team (ERT) activation. DESIGN: Retrospective case–control study. SETTING: Tertiary academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent general anaesthesia discharged to regular wards between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 and required ERT activation within 48 postoperative hours. Controls were matched based on age, sex and procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline patient and perioperative characteristics were abstracted to develop a multiple logistic regression model to assess for potential associations for increased risk for postoperative ERT. RESULTS: Among 105 345 patients, 797 had ERT calls, with a rate of 7.6 (95% CI, 7.1–8.1) calls per 1000 anaesthetics (0.76%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the following risk factors for postoperative ERT: cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.18–2.18), neurological disease (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11–2.22), preoperative gabapentin (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.17–2.20), longer surgical duration (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11, per 30 min), emergency procedure (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09–2.18), and intraoperative use of colloids (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.17–1.92). Compared with control participants, ERT patients had a longer hospital stay, a higher rate of admissions to critical care (55.5%), increased postoperative complications, and a higher 30-day mortality rate (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.73–6.54). CONCLUSION: We identified several patient and procedural characteristics associated with increased likelihood of postoperative ERT activation. ERT intervention is a marker for increased rates of postoperative complications and death.

Carbapenem-ResistantKlebsiella pneumoniaein Post-Acute-Care Facilities in Israel

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 845-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby Ben-David ◽  
Samira Masarwa ◽  
Shiri Navon-Venezia ◽  
Hagit Mishali ◽  
Ilan Fridental ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Antibiotic Exposure ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
History Of ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Acute Care Facilities ◽  
Control Study

Objective.To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP) carriage among patients in post-acute-care facilities (PACFs) in Israel.Design, Setting, and Patients.A cross-sectional prevalence survey was conducted in 12 PACFs. Rectal swab samples were obtained from 1,144 patients in 33 wards. Risk factors for CRKP carriage were assessed among the cohort. Next, a nested, matched case-control study was conducted to define individual risk factors for colonization. Finally, the cohort of patients with a history of CRKP carriage was characterized to determine risk factors for continuous carriage.Results.The prevalence of rectal carriage of CRKP among 1,004 patients without a history of CRKP carriage was 12.0%. Independent risk factors for CRKP carriage were prolonged length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 1.001;P< .001), sharing a room with a known carrier (OR, 3.09;P= .02), and increased prevalence of known carriers on the ward (OR, 1.02;P= .013). A policy of screening for carriage on admission was protective (OR, 0.41;P= .03). Risk factors identified in the nested case-control study were antibiotic exposure during the prior 3 months (OR, 1.66;P= .03) and colonization with other resistant pathogens (OR, 1.64;P= .03). Among 140 patients with a history of CRKP carriage, 47% were colonized. Independent risk factors for continued CRKP carriage were antibiotic exposure during the prior 3 months (OR, 3.05;P= .04), receipt of amoxicillin-clavulanate (OR, 4.18;P= .007), and screening within 90 days of the first culture growing CRKP (OR, 2.9;P= .012).Conclusions.We found a large reservoir of CRKP in PACFs. Infection-control polices and antibiotic exposure were associated with patient colonization.

A Case-Control Study of the Association of the Polymorphisms of MTHFR and APOE with Risk Factors and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Long ◽  
Xiao-Tao Zhao ◽  
Chang Liu ◽  
Yuan-Yuan Sun ◽  
Yin-Ting Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Chinese Han ◽  
Han Population ◽  
Control Study

Objectives: To explore the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR and APOE and the risk of CAD and, more importantly, the severity of CAD and the profile of serum lipids, we performed a case-control study in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 1,207 cases of consecutive CAD-suspected inpatients were recruited, and 406 CAD cases and 231 non-CAD controls were enrolled for the final analysis after screening for exclusion criteria. All subjects had undergone coronary angiography, and the severity of CAD was evaluated by 2 cardiologists according to the Gensini scores. The genotypes of MTHFR and APOEwere detected using real-time PCR, and then verified by Sanger sequencing. Environmental risk factors, such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and BMI were collected. Statistical analyses (the χ2 test, binary logistic regression analysis, and ordinal polytomous logistic regression analysis) were performed with SPSS v16.0. Results: The genotypes ofall the subjects included in the CAD and non-CAD groups in this study were successfully detected, with an agreement of 100% with Sanger sequencing. The distributions of genotypes CT and TT at MTHFR C667T were higher in CAD cases than in non-CAD controls (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.34–2.95; OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.18–2.67; p < 0.05), whereas genotype AC at MTHFR A1298Cwas lower in CAD cases (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50–1.02; p < 0.05). A significant association was observed in genotypes CT and TT at MTHFR C667T and the risk of CAD (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–3.67; OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.88–2.78; p < 0.05). Both genotypes and alleles of APOE were comparable in the CAD cases and non-CAD controls (p > 0.05). The genotype TT at MTHFR C667T and ε4+ at APOE were more likely to be found in the CAD subgroup with a Gensini score ≥72 (p = 0.040 and p = 0.028, respectively). Meanwhile, in the patients with genotype TT,a higher level of serum Hcy was detected, while genotype ε4+ patients possessed higher levels of serum apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than other genotypes. Conclusion: This study revealed that the SNP site of MTHFR C667Tis associatedwith the risk of CAD in this Chinese Han population. In addition, the genotypes of TT in MTHFR C667T and ε4+in APOE may increase the severity of CAD, and higher Hcy, LDL-C, and ApoE levels may be involved in this pathogenic process.

scholarly journals Investigating the Synergistic Interaction of Diabetes, Tobacco Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Hypercholesterolemia on the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Italy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe La Torre ◽  
Antonella Sferrazza ◽  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Chiara de Waure ◽  
Gennaro Clemente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Synergistic Interaction ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Control Study

The aims of the present research are to investigate the possible predictors of pancreatic cancer, in particular smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus, in patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic carcinoma and to examine the synergism between risk factors. A case-control study (80 patients and 392 controls) was conducted at the Teaching Hospital “Agostino Gemelli” in Rome. A conditional logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis and results were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We also investigated the possible interactions between risk factors and calculated the synergism index (SI). The multivariate analysis revealed that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption resulted in important risk factors for pancreatic cancer even after the adjustment for all variables (OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 2.94–8.66; OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.30–3.89, resp.). Interestingly, important synergistic interactions between risk factors were found, especially between ever smoking status and alcohol consumptions (SI = 17.61) as well as alcohol consumption and diabetes (SI = 17.77). In conclusion, the study confirms that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption represent significant and independent risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, there is evidence of synergistic interaction between diabetes and lifestyle factors (drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods).

Increasing Incidence and Recurrence Rate of Venous Thromboembolism in Paediatric Oncology Patients in One Single Centre Over 25 Years

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (11) ◽  
pp. 2156-2162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Klaassen ◽  
Anne van Els ◽  
Marianne van de Wetering ◽  
C. van Ommen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Paediatric Oncology ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Prophylactic Anticoagulation ◽  
Control Study

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in paediatric oncology patients. To identify the incidence, risk factors and recurrence rate of VTE in paediatric oncology patients, an observational, retrospective cohort study of all consecutive children (≤18 years) with malignancies, treated at the Emma Children's Hospital Academic Medical Centre between January 1989 and December 2013, was done. A matched case–control study in children with lymphomas was performed, to identify thrombotic risk factors. Cumulative recurrence-free survival after first VTE was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Of the 2,183 children included (male: female = 1.4:1.0; median age, 6.6 years) with cancer, 78 patients developed VTE (3.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8–4.4). The incidence increased from 0.8% (4/478, 95% CI, 0.0–1.6) between 1989 and 1993 to 10.4% (44/423, 95% CI, 7.6–13.4) between 2009 and 2013. Independent risk factors for VTE were age ≥ 12 years, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lymphoma. The case–control study in lymphoma patients showed a trend for increased VTE incidence in stage IV lymphoma. Twelve (15.4%) patients developed recurrent thrombosis, 7 patients while on therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation. The cumulative recurrence-free survival after first VTE was 88.5, 87.1 and 80.6% after 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated an increasing incidence of VTE in children with malignancies, with age ≥ 12 years, ALL and lymphoma as independent risk factors. The elevated recurrence rate underlines the importance of full anticoagulant therapy and might warrant prophylactic anticoagulation after first VTE during cancer treatment.

scholarly journals Characteristics Analysis, Clinical Outcome and Risk Factors for Fungal Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A 10-Year Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongrong Li ◽  
Difei Zhang ◽  
Jingwen He ◽  
Jianjun Ou ◽  
La Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Serum Potassium ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Catheter Removal ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Fungal Peritonitis ◽  
Control Study

Background: Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a rare but severe complication that can appear in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to investigate the incidence rate and clinical characteristics of FP, evaluate clinical outcomes between FP and bacterial peritonitis (BP) patients on PD, and especially estimate the risk factors for FP outbreak.Methods: All episodes of FP diagnosed in our hospital from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020, were reviewed in this single-center study. FP cases were analyzed and compared with patients diagnosed with BP in a 1:6 ratio matching for case-control study. Patient information, including clinical information, biochemical analysis, and outcomes, was recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors for FP.Results: A total of 15 FP episodes were observed in 15 PD patients, with an FP rate of 0.0071 episodes per patient-year. Seventeen strains of fungi were isolated and identified. Candida was the most common pathogen (15 strains, 88.2%), followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (2 strains, 11.8%). Between the groups, FP group showed a higher rate of HD transfer and catheter removal, and a lower rate of PD resumption in the short-term outcome (all P &lt; 0.01), while no significant difference in the mortality was noted during the whole study period. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that longer PD duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.042, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012–1.073, P &lt; 0.01), higher serum potassium (OR 3.373, 95% CI 1.068–10.649, P &lt; 0.05), elevated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR 1.845, 95% CI 1.151–2.955, P &lt; 0.05), reduced serum albumin level (OR 0.820, 95% CI 0.695–0.968, P &lt; 0.05) and peritoneal effluent polymorphonuclear (PMN) count (OR 0.940, 95%CI 0.900–0.981, P &lt; 0.01) were significantly increased the risk for FP.Conclusion: These results suggested that FP leads to higher rate of catheter removal and HD transfer, and a lower rate of PD resumption than BP, and that additional attention should be paid to hypoalbuminemia, increased serum potassium, long PD duration, and low peritoneal effluent PMN in PD patients.

scholarly journals Reasons for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and Their Role in the Transmission of Infection According to Age: a Case-control Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvani Mauro ◽  
Giulia Cantiello ◽  
Maria Cavani ◽  
Eleonora Lacorte ◽  
Bruno Mariani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
School Children ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Nursery School ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Background. The locations where children get exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and their contribution in spreading the infection are still not fully understood. Aim of the article is to verify the most frequent reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and their role in the secondary transmission of the infection. Methods. A case-control study was performed in all SARS-CoV-2 positive children (n= 81) and an equal number of age- and sex- matched controls who were referred to the S. Camillo-Forlanini Pediatric Walk-in Center of Rome. The results of all SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swabs performed in children aged <18 years from October 16 to December 19, 2020 were analyzed. Results. School contacts were more frequent in controls than in cases (OR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), while household contacts were higher in cases (OR 5.09; 95% CI: 2.2-12.0 ). In both cases and controls, school contacts were significantly less frequent, while on the contrary household contacts seemed to be more frequent in nursery school children compared to primary school or middle/high school children. A multivariate logistic regression showed that the probability of being positive to SARS-CoV-2 was significantly lower in children who had school contacts or who had flu symptoms compared to children who had household contacts. Results showed a 30.6% secondary attack rate for household contacts. Conclusion. In our study population, the two most frequent reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection were school and home contacts. The risk of being positive was 5 times lower in children who had school contacts than in children who had household contacts.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document