COVID-19 Restrictions Are Associated With a Significant Decrease of All Common Respiratory Viral Illnesses in Children.

To combat the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), significant measures were enacted including school and business closures, social distancing, and facial coverings. We hypothesized that this would have an impact on all respiratory infections in children. Using nasopharyngeal panel test results of children in the emergency department, we evaluated cross-sectional data from February to May in both 2019 and 2020. Respiratory panel testing included 11 common respiratory viruses and bacteria. After the restrictions were enacted, we observed a large drop in the number and percentage positive of all common respiratory viral infections in 2020 compared with the same time in 2019. When analyzing data from children <2 years old, a similar decrease was seen. Restrictions enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were associated with a significant decrease in respiratory viral infections in children of all ages. This association could guide future public health recommendations and guidelines.

Young children with psychiatric complaints in the pediatric emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Children are increasingly diagnosed with mental illnesses and self-harm behaviors. They present frequently to the emergency department (ED) for evaluation. The aim of this study is to describe the youngest children in the ED with psychiatric issues. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of all consecutive children less than 10 years of age with a psychiatric complaint who received a psychiatric consultation in the pediatric emergency department in the last four years. RESULTS: The number of children with psychiatric issues increased over the study period. The ED length of stay also increased. Violent behavior and aggression were the most common chief complaints, and some children required chemical or physical restraint in the ED. Many children had pre-existing psychiatric issues and a history of adverse childhood experiences. Half of patients were deemed safe for discharge home by psychiatric consultation. CONCLUSION: The number of young children with psychiatric complaints presenting to the ED has increased. However, a large number are found to be stable for discharge home. Increase in urgent outpatient psychiatric resources could help decrease ED utilization.