Characteristics of Children Ages 1-17 Who Died of COVID-19 in 2020-2022 in the United States

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) 2024-11, Vol.154 (Suppl 3)
• Main Authors: Dykstra, Heather K, Pilkey, Diane, Tautges, Jordan, Schnitzer, Patricia G, Collier, Abigael, Kinsman, Sara B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Cause of Death; Child; Child, Preschool; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - mortality; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; United States - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-067043K

This study describes characteristics of children ages 1 to 17 years who died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2020 to 2022 and whose deaths were reviewed by child death review (CDR) teams across the United States. We used data in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to examine children who died of COVID-19. Deaths were determined because of COVID-19 from death certificates or CDR determinations. A total of 183 children 1 to 17 years old who died of COVID-19 were reported in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System. One-third (33%) were 15- to 17-year-olds, and 26% were 1- to 4-year-olds. Fifty-six percent were reported as male, 54% white, 24% Black, and 18% Hispanic ethnicity. Physicians declared cause of death in at least 82% of deaths. More than two-thirds (68%) had a medical condition (excluding COVID-19) at time of death. The most common conditions were nervous system disorders (19%), congenital disorders (14%), obesity (12%), respiratory disorders (12%), and neurodevelopmental disorders (10%). Of children with an underlying condition, 35% had 3 or more conditions. Less than half (42%) had contact with a health care provider within a month of their death; and three-fourths died within 14 days of exposure. This study describes the demographics, death investigation findings, and medical conditions of children who died of COVID-19. The results highlight the short timeline between COVID-19 exposure and death. Pandemic planning that prioritizes prevention efforts and timely access to effective medical care may result in saving children's lives.