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Outcomes of the international database on SARS-CoV-2 infections in children with Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula
  • Jonathan O’Donnell E M,
  • Usha Krishnan,
  • Christophe Faure
Jonathan O’Donnell E M
Sydney Children’s Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Usha Krishnan
Sydney Children’s Hospital
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Christophe Faure
Sainte- Justine Hospital
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Abstract

Background and Aim To assess the outcomes of children born with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) with concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods An international survey was circulated to the International Network of Esophageal Atresia (INoEA) members from April 2020 to May 2022. Information on demography, type of EA-TEF, co-morbidities, complications, hospitalization, and therapies administered for SARS-CoV-2 infection was collected for all patients. Results Forty-two patients from April 2020-May 2022, with a mean age of 6.8 years were reported from Argentina, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, France, Italy, Australia and Turkey. 34 patients (81%) had a type C, EA-TEF. 30 had respiratory comorbidities, 14 had associated cardiac malformations and 14 had a history of recurrent anastomotic stricture. Reported medications included proton-pump inhibitors (n=14), inhaled bronchodilators (n=3) and inhaled corticosteroids (n=4). Six patients (14%) were hospitalised. Three required respiratory support and one required extra-corporal membranous oxygenation. There were no deaths. Respiratory, cardiac and gastrointestinal comorbidities were not associated with increased risk of hospitalization. Concomitant medication at time of infection was associated with increased risk for hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection (p=0.0035), however PPI alone was not significantly associated with increased risk for hospitalization (p=0.16). Conclusion Rates of hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 are higher for patients with EA-TEF than the general pediatric population, with increased risk in those on medication in patients. 67% of those admitted required respiratory support. Infection likely does not represent a risk for severe respiratory complications or severe outcome.