Prevalence and Severity of COVID-19 among Pediatric Patients with Atopy:  A Cross-sectional Study in Kerman, Southeast Iran

Fakhry Shafiee; Afshin Sarafinejad; Nasrin Bazargan Harandi; Ali Hosseininasab; Sareh Saadat Ebrahimi

doi:10.18502/ijaai.v23i2.15317

Fakhry Shafiee Afzalipour Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Afshin Sarafinejad Clinical Informatics Research and Development Lab, Clinical Research Development Unit, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Nasrin Bazargan Harandi Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Ali Hosseininasab Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Sareh Saadat Ebrahimi Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v23i2.15317

Keywords: Allergy and immunology; Clinical decision making; COVID-19

Abstract

The tragic COVID-19 pandemic affected many children worldwide. Among the factors that may influence the course of viral infections including COVID-19, it is still uncertain whether atopy has a protective or predisposing role. The study aims to address the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among atopic children in Kerman, in 2022.

A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study on children with a history of atopy was performed in Kerman Medical University. Demographic information, type of atopy (including allergic rhinitis, Hyper-Reactive Airway Disease (HRAD) or asthma, eczema, urticaria, anaphylaxis, and food allergy), history of COVID-19 infection, and disease severity were recorded.

A total of 1007 children and adolescents, (boys: 56.4%, girls: 43.6%, age:5.61±2.64 years) were included in the study. History of COVID-19 infection was positive in 53.5%, with 75.9% of the cases exhibiting mild disease severity. The frequency of atopies was HRAD or asthma (67.2%), allergic rhinitis (42.6%), and food allergy (27.4%). The frequency of COVID-19 cases was significantly higher among patients with HRAD or asthma, whereas it was significantly lower among those with food allergies, anaphylaxis, and eczema. Among atopic individuals, COVID-19 severity was significantly lower in those with allergic rhinitis, while the opposite trend was observed among food-allergic individuals.

This study sheds light on the relationship between atopy and COVID-19 among pediatric patients. It seems specific types of atopies may influence the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection differently. A better understanding of these associations can inform clinical management and preventive measures for vulnerable pediatric populations.