Variant Omicron and croup

The state of health of children affected by Covid-19 has been a cause for concern since the start of the pandemic in the winter of 2020. While numerous studies and epidemiological data have reassured health professionals and families, there is no Nevertheless, some children require hospitalization in intensive care for severe forms of Covid-19. In addition, the Omicron variant could be the cause of a completely new complication of SARS-CoV-2, croup. Explanations.

What is croup?

Croup is inflammation of the trachea and larynx, mostly caused by a virus. (most often the parainfluenza virus), but also the respiratory syncitial virus (responsible for bronchiolitis or the seasonal flu virus). The characteristic symptoms of croup are:

• Fever ;
• A runny nose;
• A specific cough, called hoarse or barking because of a typical associated noise (stridor);
• Difficulty breathing in.

The viral disease usually affects young children, between 6 months and 3 years old. It can lead to severe forms: breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, dehydration, fatigue or bluish complexion. These cases require hospitalization to administer specific medications and oxygen to the child.

Variant Omicron and croup

Since the start of the epidemic, the pediatric forms of Covid-19 have been the subject of close epidemiological surveillance in many countries around the world. Recently, American researchers observed the appearance of croup in some children infected with SARS-CoV2. Between March 2020 and January 2022, doctors identified 75 croups associated with Covid-19. Of these cases, 80% occurred during the epidemic wave linked to the Omicron variant.

Doctors were able to establish a parallel evolution between the increase in the number of positive cases for Covid-19 linked to the Omicron variant and the increase in cases of croup in young children. To date, they have not identified any child deaths linked to croup associated with Covid-19. But 12% of the children concerned were hospitalized for a severe form. Among them, almost half were hospitalized in intensive care to receive, among other things, oxygen.

Respiratory signs to watch out for

The fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause croup does not necessarily surprise scientists. Indeed, a fairly wide range of viruses are responsible for this type of viral infection. In contrast, they point out that croup is mostly associated with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron variant preferentially affects the upper airways.

In this US study, the majority of children affected by croup resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection were boys, under the age of two. If in most cases, croup remains mild and can be cured in a few days at home, close monitoring of respiratory symptoms is necessary to hospitalize the child in case of complications. The advice of a doctor is, in all cases, recommended in the event of the occurrence of symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 in young children.

Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy

Sources

–