Outcomes of COVID-19 in a cohort of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

There are few reports of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. This study describes the clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 in this population. We analyzed a single-center case series of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Demographic, baseline and COVID-19 associated clinical features were compared between ambulatory and hospitalized patients using univariate analysis. Fifty-five cases were identified: 45 (81.8%) in the ambulatory group and 10 (18.2%) hospitalized. African American race (OR 7.78; 95% CI [1.46-55.38]; p = 0.006) and cardiovascular disease (OR 19.40; 95% CI 2.45-254.14; p = 0.001) predominated in hospitalized patients. Active rheumatic disease (OR 11.83; 95% CI 1.43-558.37; p = 0.01), medium/high-dose corticosteroid use (OR 14.12; 95% CI [2.31-106.04]; p = 0.001), mycophenolate use (OR 8.84; 95% CI [1.64-63.88]; p = 0.004), rituximab use (OR 19.40; 95% CI [2.45-254.14]; p = 0.001) and severe immunosuppression (OR 34.80; 95% CI [3.94-1704.26]; p =