We evaluated the Panbio™ COVID‐19 Ag Rapid Test Device as a point‐of‐care diagnostic tool for COVID‐19 in 357 patients at a pediatric emergency department. Thirty‐four patients tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, of which 24 were positive by the antigen assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 70.5% and 100%, respectively.

Objectives Studies comparing SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in the upper respiratory tract (URT) between children and adults, either presenting with COVID-19 or asymptomatic have yielded inconsistent results. Here, we conducted a retrospective, single center study to address this issue. Patients and Methods 1,184 consecutive subjects (256 children and 928 adults) testing positive for SARS-COV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal exudates (NP), of whom 424 (121 children and 303 adults) had COVID-19 and 760 (135 children and 625 adults) were asymptomatic close contacts of COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing was carried out using the TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, MS, USA). The AMPLIRUN® TOTAL SARS-CoV-2 RNA Control (Vircell SA, Granada, Spain) was used for estimating SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads (in copies/mL). SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads at the time of laboratory diagnosis (single specimen/patient) were used for comparison purposes. Results Median initial SARS-COV-2 RNA load was lower ( P =0.094) in children (6.98 log 10 copies/ml; range, 3.0-11.7) than in adults (7.14 log 10 copies/ml; range, 2.2.-13.4) with COVID-19. As for asymptomatic individuals, median SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was comparable ( P =0.97) in children (6.20 log 10 copies/ml; range, 1.8-11.6) and adults (6.48 log 10 copies/ml; range, 1.9-11.8). Children with COVID-19 symptoms displayed SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads (6.98 log 10 copies/ml; range, 3.0-11.7) comparable to their asymptomatic counterparts (6.20 log 10 copies/ml; range, 1.8-11.6) ( P =0.61). Meanwhile in adults, median SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was significantly higher in symptomatic (7.14 log 10 copies/ml; range, 2.2.-13.4) than in asymptomatic subjects (6.48 log 10 copies/ml; range, 1.9-11.8) ( P =<0.001). Overall, a faster URT SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance rate was observed in children than in adults. Conclusions Based on viral load data at the time of diagnosis, our results suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infected children, with or without COVID-19, may display NP viral loads of comparable magnitude to that found in their adult counterparts; However, children may have shorter viral shedding as compared to adults.

ObjectivesThere is limited information comparing SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in the upper respiratory tract (URT) between children and adults, either presenting with COVID-19 or asymptomatic. Here we conducted a retrospective, single center study involving a large cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals to address this issue.Patients and MethodsA total of 1,184 consecutive subjects (256 children and 928 adults) testing positive for SARS-COV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal exudates (NP) were included, of whom 424 (121 children and 303 adults) had COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization and 760 (135 children and 625 adults) were asymptomatic close contacts of COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing was carried out using the TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, MS, USA). The AMPLIRUN® TOTAL SARS-CoV-2 RNA Control (Vircell SA, Granada, Spain) was used for estimating SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads (in copies/mL).ResultsMedian SARS-COV-2 RNA loads were comparable between adults and children with COVID-19 (7.14 log10 copies/ml vs. 6.98 log10 copies/ml; P=0.094). Median SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in asymptomatic children and adults was similar (6.20 log10 copies/ml vs. 6.48 log10 copies/ml; P=0.97). Children with COVID-19 symptoms displayed SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads comparable to their asymptomatic counterparts (P=0.61). Meanwhile in adults, median SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was significantly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic subjects (P=<0.001), yet comparable (P=0.61) when the analysis excluded patients sampled within 48 h after symptoms onset.ConclusionsThe data suggest that children may be drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the general population at the same level as adults.

Introduction: Primary peritonitis (PP) and Ménétrier's Disease (MD) are both rare conditions among pediatric population. Although about 150 MD cases have been described in the scientific literature to date, its onset with a PP is an unusual condition.Case Presentation: We present a case of an 11-year-old boy who was admitted to our unit because of abdominal pain and distension. Complementary tests showed ascites, bilateral pleural effusion, leukocytosis, increased acute phase reactants and hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia. Laparoscopy ruled out appendicitis or visceral perforations and exposed purulent peritoneal fluid, compatible with PP. Biochemical stool analysis showed increased clearance of alpha-1-antitrypsin, which was consistent with a protein-losing enteropathy. Gastroscopy findings were compatible with MD. The clinical course was favorable and he had no recurrence after 12 months of follow-up.Conclusion: PP can be the first clinical manifestation of pediatric MD. Knowledge of MD and its generally benign nature in children is important in order to avoid excessive testing and unnecessary treatment.

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