Last data update: Apr 29, 2024. (Total: 46658 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 38 Records) |
Query Trace: Kimball A[original query] |
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HIV testing and preexposure prophylaxis prescriptions among U.S. commercially insured transgender men and women, 2014 to 2021
Huang YA , Radix A , Zhu W , Kimball AA , Olansky EJ , Hoover KW . Ann Intern Med 2023 BACKGROUND: Transgender persons are disproportionately affected by HIV, but preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use has been low in this population. Clinical encounters for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) provide opportunities for HIV prevention. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of commercially insured transgender women (TGW) and transgender men (TGM) in the United States and their use of HIV prevention services. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of secondary data. SETTING: Merative MarketScan commercial databases from 2014 to 2021. PARTICIPANTS: TGW and TGM, defined as those with transgender-related diagnoses and prescriptions for feminizing or masculinizing GAHT. MEASUREMENTS: HIV testing and PrEP use. RESULTS: A substantially increasing trend was observed in the prevalence of transgender-related diagnosis codes from 2014 to 2021 and in the proportion of persons who used GAHT. The increases were driven by persons aged 18 to 34 years. In 2021, among 10 613 TGW with a test for or a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the previous 12 months, 61.1% had an HIV test; among those, 20.2% were prescribed PrEP. Among 4184 TGM with STI risk, 48.3% had an HIV test; among those, 10.2% were prescribed PrEP. The prevalence of TGW and TGM who had a test for or a diagnosis of an STI, had an HIV test, and were prescribed PrEP increased substantially from 2014 to 2021. LIMITATION: The findings represent only persons with commercial health insurance who sought health care services for GAHT. CONCLUSION: It is important to identify transgender persons to monitor their receipt of HIV prevention services. Encounters for GAHT provide opportunities to offer HIV prevention and other prevention services. Many HIV prevention opportunities were likely missed at clinical encounters for GAHT. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None. |
HIV preexposure prophylaxis provision among adolescents: 2018 to 2021
Kimball AA , Zhu W , Leonard J , Wei W , Ravichandran I , Tanner MR , Huang YA , Hoover KW , Kourtis AP . Pediatrics 2023 152 (5) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe, effective, and was approved for adolescents in 2018. Adolescents and young adults make up 20% of HIV diagnoses in the United States. Our objective was to describe trends in adolescents prescribed PrEP during 2018 through 2021 and characteristics of these adolescents and their PrEP providers. METHODS: We identified adolescents aged 13 to 19 years with oral PrEP prescriptions during 2018 through 2021 in a national pharmacy database using a validated algorithm. We assessed trends by calculating the overall percentage change and estimated annual percentage change with 95% confidence intervals. We described characteristics of adolescents and their PrEP providers in 2021. We performed χ2 analyses to assess differences by sex and age group. RESULTS: The number of adolescents prescribed PrEP increased 76.2% from 2018 to 2021 (estimated annual percentage change: 18.0% [95% confidence interval: 16.6-19.5]), despite decreases in 2020. We observed increases among all sex and age groups, with larger increases among older adolescents aged 18 to 19 years. The majority of the 6444 adolescents prescribed PrEP in 2021 were male (82.6%) and aged 18 to 19 years (87.8%). Among 2455 physician PrEP providers, 29.6% were pediatricians, with varying specialty distributions by adolescent age group (P < .001). Among the 217 pediatricians who prescribed PrEP to adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, 67.7% were general pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS: PrEP provision for adolescents has increased, largely among older and male adolescents. The availability of PrEP provides an important opportunity for pediatric providers to take an active role in HIV prevention. |
HIV and mpox: a rapid review
O'Shea JG , Bonacci RA , Cholli P , Kimball A , Brooks JT . AIDS 2023 37 (14) 2105-2114 In this review, we discuss the history and epidemiology of mpox, prevention strategies, clinical characteristics and management, severity of mpox among persons with advanced HIV, and areas for future research relevant to persons with HIV. |
The Seattle Flu Study: a multi-arm community-based prospective study protocol for assessing influenza prevalence, transmission, and genomic epidemiology (preprint)
Chu HY , Boeckh M , Englund JA , Famulare M , Lutz B , Nickerson DA , Rieder M , Starita LM , Shendure J , Bedford T , Adler A , Brandstetter E , Frazer CD , Han PD , Gulati RK , Hadfield J , Jackson M , Kiavand A , Kimball LE , Lacombe K , Logue JK , Lyon VR , Newman KL , Sibley TR , Zigman Suchsland M , Wolf C . medRxiv 2020 2020.03.02.20029595 Introduction Influenza epidemics and pandemics cause significant morbidity and mortality. An effective response to a potential pandemic requires the infrastructure to rapidly detect, characterize, and potentially contain new and emerging influenza strains at a population level. The objective of this study is to use data gathered simultaneously from community and hospital sites to develop a model of how influenza enters and spreads in a population.Methods and Analysis Starting in the 2018-19 season, we have been enrolling individuals with acute respiratory illness from community sites throughout the Seattle metropolitan area, including clinics, childcare facilities, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, workplaces, college campuses, and homeless shelters. At these sites, we collect clinical data and mid-nasal swabs from individuals with at least two acute respiratory symptoms. Additionally, we collect residual nasal swabs and data from individuals who seek care for respiratory symptoms at four regional hospitals. Samples are tested using a multiplex molecular assay, and influenza whole genome sequencing is performed for samples with influenza detected. Geospatial mapping and computational modeling platforms are in development to characterize the regional spread of influenza and other respiratory pathogens.Ethics and Dissemination The study was approved by the University of Washington’s Institutional Review Board. Results will be disseminated through talks at conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and on the study website (www.seattleflu.org).Strengths and limitations of this study- Large-scale multiple-arm study of respiratory illness characterization with collection of samples from individuals in the community as well as in ambulatory care and hospital settings- Integration of sociodemographic, clinical, and geospatial data on a regional level- Multiplex molecular testing for multiple viral and bacterial pathogens and whole genome sequencing of influenza for detailed molecular epidemiologic characterization and transmission mapping- Geographically and socioeconomically diverse sampling of community-based acute respiratory illnessesCompeting Interest StatementAmanda Adler, Elisabeth Brandstetter, Michael Famulare, Chris D. Frazar, Peter D. Han, Reena K. Gulati, James Hadfield, Michael L. Jackson, Anahita Kiavand, Louise E. Kimball, Kirsten Lacombe, Jennifer Logue, Victoria Lyon, Kira L. Newman, Thomas R. Sibley, Jay Shendure, Lea Starita, Monica L. Zigman Suchsland, and Caitlin Wolf declare no competing interests. Helen Y Chu receives research support from Sanofi, Cepheid, and Genentech/Roche and is a consultant for Merck. Janet Englund receives research support to her institution from Astrazeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Novavax and is a consultant for Sanofi Pasteur and Meissa Vaccines.Funding StatementThe Seattle Flu Study is funded through the Brotman Baty Institute. The funder was not involved in the design of the study, does not have any ownership over the management and conduct of the study, the data, or the rights to publishAuthor DeclarationsAll relevant ethical guidelines have been followed; any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained and details of the IRB/oversight body are included in the manuscript.YesAll necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived.YesI understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).YesI have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable YesThe data will be accessed only by authorized individuals on the study team. Access to deidentified, aggregated data and analysis code will be publicly available on the study web page (www.seattleflu.org). http://www.seattleflu.org |
Benefits of frequent HIV testing in the THRIVE demonstration project: United States, 2015-2020
Kimball AA , Zhu W , Yu L , Tanner MR , Iqbal K , Dominguez KL , Shankar A , Drezner K , Musgrove K , Mayes E , Robinson WT , Schumacher C , Delaney KP , Hoover KW . Am J Public Health 2023 113 (9) e1-e9 Objectives. To describe HIV testing among clients in the Targeted Highly Effective Interventions to Reverse the HIV Epidemic (THRIVE) demonstration project and evaluate testing frequency. Methods. We identified factors associated with an average testing frequency of 180 days or less compared with more than 180 days using adjusted Poisson regression models. We performed the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare time to diagnosis by testing frequency. Results. Among 5710 clients with 2 or more tests and no preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription, 42.4% were tested frequently. Black/African American clients were 21% less likely and Hispanic/Latino clients were 18% less likely to be tested frequently than were White clients. Among 71 Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women with HIV diagnoses, those with frequent testing had a median time to diagnosis of 137 days, with a diagnostic testing yield of 1.5% compared with those tested less frequently, with 559 days and 0.8% yield. Conclusions. HIV testing at least every 6 months resulted in earlier HIV diagnosis and was efficient. Persons in communities with high rates of HIV who are not on PrEP can benefit from frequent testing, and collaborative community approaches may help reduce disparities. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print July 6, 2023:e1-e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307341). |
Notes from the field: Exposures to mpox among cases in children aged 12 years - United States, September 25-December 31, 2022
Nemechek K , Stefanos R , Miller EL , Riser A , Kebede B , Galang RR , Hufstetler K , Descamps D , Balenger A , Hennessee I , Neelam V , Hutchins HJ , Labuda SM , Davis KM , McCormick DW , Marx GE , Kimball A , Ruberto I , Williamson T , Rzucidlo P , Willut C , Harold RE , Mangla AT , English A , Brikshavana D , Blanding J , Kim M , Finn LE , Marutani A , Lockwood M , Johnson S , Ditto N , Wilton S , Edmond T , Stokich D , Shinall A , Alravez B , Crawley A , Nambiar A , Gateley EL , Schuman J , White SL , Davis K , Milleron R , Mendez M , Kawakami V , Segaloff HE , Bower WA , Ellington SR , McCollum AM , Pao LZ . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (23) 633-635 During May 17–December 31, 2022, 125 probable or confirmed U.S. monkeypox (mpox)† cases were reported among patients aged <18 years, including 45 (36%) in children aged ≤12 years. Eighty-three cases in persons aged <18 years diagnosed during May 17–September 24, 2022 were previously described (1); 28 (34%) of these were in children aged ≤12 years, 29% of whom did not have reported information on exposure. Among 20 (71%) of 28 patients with documented information on exposure, most were exposed by a household contact. This report updates the previous report using data collected during September 25–December 31, 2022, proposes possible mpox exposure routes in children aged ≤12 years, and describes three U.S. mpox cases in neonates. Household members or caregivers with mpox, including pregnant women and their health care providers, should be informed of the risk of transmission to persons aged <18 years, and strategies to protect persons aged <18 years at risk for exposure, including isolating household contacts with mpox, should be implemented immediately. | | During September 25–December 31, 2022, 17 children aged ≤12 years with probable or confirmed mpox were identified through national surveillance. CDC provided a questionnaire to state and local health departments for collection of the child’s history of exposure to any person with mpox§ during the previous 3 weeks, exposure settings, types of contact (e.g., skin-to-skin, being held or cuddled, diaper change, or toilet use), and precautions taken by the person with mpox (e.g., practiced isolation or covered lesions). This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.¶ |
Is Symptom Screening Useful for Identifying COVID-19 Infection in School Settings? Georgia, USA.
Swanson M , Hast M , Burnett E , Oraka E , Kimball A , Morris E , Marcet PL , Almendares O , Franklin R , Mehari L , McCloud J , Kirking HL , Tate JE , Scott C . J Sch Nurs 2021 37 (6) 503-512 This study's goal was to characterize the utility of symptom screening in staff and students for COVID-19 identification and control of transmission in a school setting. We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data for staff, students and associated household members in a Georgia school district exposed to COVID-19 cases who received RT-PCR testing and symptom monitoring. Among positive contacts, 30/49 (61%) of students and 1/6 (17%) of staff reported no symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Symptom sensitivity was 30% in elementary students and 42% in middle/high students. Fifty-three percent (10/19) of symptomatic positive contacts had at least one household member test positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared with 50% (10/20) of asymptomatic positive contacts. The absence of symptoms in children is not indicative of a lack of SARS-CoV-2 infection or reduced risk of infection for associated household members. Testing all close contacts of people with COVID-19 in schools is needed to interrupt transmission networks. |
The effect of navigation on linkage to a PrEP provider among PrEP-eligible men who have sex with men in a U.S. demonstration project
Kimball AA , Zhu W , Tanner MR , Iqbal K , Dominguez KL , Henny KD , James A , Elamin F , Drezner K , Bruce J , Torres ME , Price A , Hubbard SJ , Hoover KW . AIDS Behav 2022 27 (6) 1981-1988 Our objective is to evaluate the effect of navigation on linkage to a PrEP provider among PrEP-eligible men who have sex with men (MSM) in THRIVE, a demonstration project in seven U.S. public health jurisdictions during 2015-2020. We describe PrEP linkage and navigation use among MSM in THRIVE. We performed multivariable probit regression modeling, controlling for demographic covariates, to estimate the association between navigation and linkage to a PrEP provider among MSM and to assess for disparities in linkage to PrEP among MSM who used navigation. Among 9538 PrEP-eligible MSM, 51.3% used navigation and 53.8% were linked to PrEP. From the three sites where navigation was optional and the main form of PrEP support, MSM who used navigation were 16.69 times (95% CI 13.07-21.32) more likely to link to PrEP compared with MSM who did not use navigation. Among 4895 MSM who used navigation from all seven sites, Black MSM were 21% less likely to link to PrEP compared with White MSM (aRR 0.79; 95% CI 0.74-0.83). Navigation is a promising strategy for improving uptake of PrEP among U.S. MSM, but disparities persist. Addressing the underlying causes of inequities will be important to end the HIV epidemic. |
Epidemiologic and clinical features of children and adolescents aged <18 years with monkeypox - United States, May 17-September 24, 2022
Hennessee I , Shelus V , McArdle CE , Wolf M , Schatzman S , Carpenter A , Minhaj FS , Petras JK , Cash-Goldwasser S , Maloney M , Sosa L , Jones SA , Mangla AT , Harold RE , Beverley J , Saunders KE , Adams JN , Stanek DR , Feldpausch A , Pavlick J , Cahill M , O'Dell V , Kim M , Alarcón J , Finn LE , Goss M , Duwell M , Crum DA , Williams TW , Hansen K , Heddy M , Mallory K , McDermott D , Cuadera MKQ , Adler E , Lee EH , Shinall A , Thomas C , Ricketts EK , Koonce T , Rynk DB , Cogswell K , McLafferty M , Perella D , Stockdale C , Dell B , Roskosky M , White SL , Davis KR , Milleron RS , Mackey S , Barringer LA , Bruce H , Barrett D , D'Angeli M , Kocharian A , Klos R , Dawson P , Ellington SR , Mayer O , Godfred-Cato S , Labuda SM , McCormick DW , McCollum AM , Rao AK , Salzer JS , Kimball A , Gold JAW . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (44) 1407-1411 Data on monkeypox in children and adolescents aged <18 years are limited (1,2). During May 17-September 24, 2022, a total of 25,038 monkeypox cases were reported in the United States,(dagger) primarily among adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (3). During this period, CDC and U.S. jurisdictional health departments identified Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections in 83 persons aged <18 years, accounting for 0.3% of reported cases. Among 28 children aged 0-12 years with monkeypox, 64% were boys, and most had direct skin-to-skin contact with an adult with monkeypox who was caring for the child in a household setting. Among 55 adolescents aged 13-17 years, most were male (89%), and male-to-male sexual contact was the most common presumed exposure route (66%). Most children and adolescents with monkeypox were non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) (47%) or Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) (35%). Most (89%) were not hospitalized, none received intensive care unit (ICU)-level care, and none died. Monkeypox in children and adolescents remains rare in the United States. Ensuring equitable access to monkeypox vaccination, testing, and treatment is a critical public health priority. Vaccination for adolescents with risk factors and provision of prevention information for persons with monkeypox caring for children might prevent additional infections. |
Severe monkeypox in hospitalized patients - United States, August 10-October 10, 2022
Miller MJ , Cash-Goldwasser S , Marx GE , Schrodt CA , Kimball A , Padgett K , Noe RS , McCormick DW , Wong JM , Labuda SM , Borah BF , Zulu I , Asif A , Kaur G , McNicholl JM , Kourtis A , Tadros A , Reagan-Steiner S , Ritter JM , Yu Y , Yu P , Clinton R , Parker C , Click ES , Salzer JS , McCollum AM , Petersen B , Minhaj FS , Brown E , Fischer MP , Atmar RL , DiNardo AR , Xu Y , Brown C , Goodman JC , Holloman A , Gallardo J , Siatecka H , Huffman G , Powell J , Alapat P , Sarkar P , Hanania NA , Bruck O , Brass SD , Mehta A , Dretler AW , Feldpausch A , Pavlick J , Spencer H , Ghinai I , Black SR , Hernandez-Guarin LN , Won SY , Shankaran S , Simms AT , Alarcón J , O'Shea JG , Brooks JT , McQuiston J , Honein MA , O'Connor SM , Chatham-Stephens K , O'Laughlin K , Rao AK , Raizes E , Gold JAW , Morris SB . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (44) 1412-1417 As of October 21, 2022, a total of 27,884 monkeypox cases (confirmed and probable) have been reported in the United States.(§) Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have constituted a majority of cases, and persons with HIV infection and those from racial and ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected (1,2). During previous monkeypox outbreaks, severe manifestations of disease and poor outcomes have been reported among persons with HIV infection, particularly those with AIDS (3-5). This report summarizes findings from CDC clinical consultations provided for 57 patients aged ≥18 years who were hospitalized with severe manifestations of monkeypox(¶) during August 10-October 10, 2022, and highlights three clinically representative cases. Overall, 47 (82%) patients had HIV infection, four (9%) of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) before monkeypox diagnosis. Most patients were male (95%) and 68% were non-Hispanic Black (Black). Overall, 17 (30%) patients received intensive care unit (ICU)-level care, and 12 (21%) have died. As of this report, monkeypox was a cause of death or contributing factor in five of these deaths; six deaths remain under investigation to determine whether monkeypox was a causal or contributing factor; and in one death, monkeypox was not a cause or contributing factor.** Health care providers and public health professionals should be aware that severe morbidity and mortality associated with monkeypox have been observed during the current outbreak in the United States (6,7), particularly among highly immunocompromised persons. Providers should test all sexually active patients with suspected monkeypox for HIV at the time of monkeypox testing unless a patient is already known to have HIV infection. Providers should consider early commencement and extended duration of monkeypox-directed therapy(††) in highly immunocompromised patients with suspected or laboratory-diagnosed monkeypox.(§§) Engaging all persons with HIV in sustained care remains a critical public health priority. |
Monkeypox in a young infant - Florida, 2022
Saunders KE , Van Horn AN , Medlin HK , Carpenter A , Lee PA , Gutierrez L , Dillon J , Newman AP , Kimball A , McCormick DW , Stanek DR . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (38) 1220-1221 In August 2022, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) was notified of a suspected case of monkeypox in an infant aged <2 months who was admitted to a Florida hospital with a rash and cellulitis. This case report highlights findings from the related epidemiologic investigation and describes the public health actions taken. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.* This is the youngest patient with confirmed monkeypox infection in Florida to date. |
Children, adolescents, and young adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and diabetes in summer 2021.
Agathis NT , Womack LS , Webber BJ , Choudhary R , Wanga V , Ko JY , Dupont H , Imperatore G , Koumans EH , Saydah S , Kimball AA , Siegel DA . Pediatr Diabetes 2022 23 (7) 961-967 INTRODUCTION: More information is needed to understand the clinical epidemiology of youth hospitalized with diabetes and COVID-19. We describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients <21years old hospitalized with COVID-19 and either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM or T2DM) during peak incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection with the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. METHODS: This is a descriptive sub-analysis of a retrospective chart review of patients aged <21years hospitalized with COVID-19 in six US children's hospitals during July-August 2021. Patients with COVID-19 and either newly diagnosed or known T1DM or T2DM were described using originally collected data and diabetes-related data specifically collected on these patients. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and diabetes, 34 had T1DM and 24 had T2DM. Of those with T1DM and T2DM, 26% (9/34) and 33% (8/24), respectively, were newly diagnosed. Among those >12years old and eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, 93% were unvaccinated (42/45). Among patients with T1DM, 88% had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and 6% had COVID-19 pneumonia; of those with T2DM, 46% had DKA and 58% had COVID-19 pneumonia. Of those with T1DM or T2DM, 59% and 46%, respectively, required ICU admission. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of considering diabetes in the evaluation of youth presenting with COVID-19; the challenges of managing young patients who present with both COVID-19 and diabetes, particularly T2DM; and the importance of preventive actions like COVID-19 vaccination to prevent severe illness among those eligible with both COVID-19 and diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. |
Factors Associated With Severe Illness in Patients Aged <21 Years Hospitalized for COVID-19.
Choudhary R , Webber BJ , Womack LS , Dupont HK , Chiu SK , Wanga V , Gerdes ME , Hsu S , Shi DS , Dulski TM , Idubor OI , Wendel AM , Agathis NT , Anderson K , Boyles T , Click ES , Silva JD , Evans ME , Gold JAW , Haston JC , Logan P , Maloney SA , Martinez M , Natarajan P , Spicer KB , Swancutt M , Stevens VA , Rogers-Brown J , Chandra G , Light M , Barr FE , Snowden J , Kociolek LK , McHugh M , Wessel DL , Simpson JN , Gorman KC , Breslin KA , DeBiasi RL , Thompson A , Kline MW , Boom JA , Singh IR , Dowlin M , Wietecha M , Schweitzer B , Morris SB , Koumans EH , Ko JY , Siegel DA , Kimball AA . Hosp Pediatr 2022 12 (9) 760-783 OBJECTIVES: To describe COVID-19-related pediatric hospitalizations during a period of B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant predominance and to determine age-specific factors associated with severe illness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We abstracted data from medical charts to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients aged <21 years hospitalized at 6 US children's hospitals during July-August 2021 for COVID-19 or with an incidental positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Among patients with COVID-19, we assessed factors associated with severe illness by calculating age-stratified prevalence ratios (PR). We defined severe illness as receiving high-flow nasal cannula, positive airway pressure, or invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Of 947 hospitalized patients, 759 (80.1%) had COVID-19, of whom 287 (37.8%) had severe illness. Factors associated with severe illness included coinfection with RSV (PR 3.64) and bacteria (PR 1.88) in infants; RSV coinfection in patients aged 1-4 years (PR 1.96); and obesity in patients aged 5-11 (PR 2.20) and 12-17 years (PR 2.48). Having ≥2 underlying medical conditions was associated with severe illness in patients aged <1 (PR 1.82), 5-11 (PR 3.72), and 12-17 years (PR 3.19). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, factors associated with severe illness included RSV coinfection in those aged <5 years, obesity in those aged 5-17 years, and other underlying conditions for all age groups <18 years. These findings can inform pediatric practice, risk communication, and prevention strategies, including vaccination against COVID-19. |
Congenital syphilis-related stillbirths in the United States from 2015 to 2019
Machefsky Aliza , Miele Kathryn , Kimball Anne , Thorpe Phoebe , Bachmann Laura , Bowen Virginia . Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022 226 (2) 303-304 Objectives | Given recent increases in congenital syphilis (CS) in the United States, we describe national trends in the number of CS-related stillbirths, describe CS-related stillbirths by gestational age, and compare characteristics of women delivering CS-related stillbirths to those delivering full term and preterm liveborn CS infants to provide important clinical insight. | | Methods | CS is nationally notifiable with case reports submitted to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We analyzed reported cases of CS born during 20152019, categorizing birth outcomes as stillbirth, preterm <37 weeks, or full term 37 weeks; cases with unknown vital status or gestational age were excluded. We calculated frequencies of maternal clinical characteristics by birth outcome, including receipt of prenatal care, stage of syphilis, and highest reported titer during pregnancy. | | Results | Of the 5,269 CS cases reported to CDC for 20152019, 5,127 (97.3%) had known vital status and gestational age. Among these, 307 (6.0%) were stillbirths. While the number of CS-related stillbirths increased each year during 20152019 (from 2994), the proportion of CS cases reported as stillbirths did not vary considerably across the period (range: 5.1%7.3%). Median gestational age at delivery for CS-related stillbirths was 30 weeks (interquartile range: 2733 weeks). Most CS cases were born to mothers with early latent (31.4%) or late/unknown duration (59.7%) syphilis, though mothers of stillborn infants were 2.3 times as likely as mothers of full term liveborn infants to have secondary syphilis (10.8% vs. 4.6%). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were more likely to have a high maternal syphilis titer; 80.8% of stillbirth, 58.1% of preterm, and 40.2% of full-term deliveries occurred among women with a titer 1:32 during pregnancy. Among women delivering a CS-related stillbirth, 33 (10.7%) had evidence of syphilis seroconversion during pregnancy. Most mothers delivering a CS-related stillbirth (53.4%) did not receive prenatal care, compared to mothers delivering full term liveborn CS infants (18.4%). | | Conclusions | Increases in CS-related stillbirths in the United States reflect increases in CS cases; without prevention efforts, CS could become a larger contributor to overall U.S. stillbirth levels. Understanding when CS-related stillbirths occur, as well as the differences between women delivering CS-related stillbirths and women delivering liveborn CS infants (higher titer, syphilis stage, and prenatal care) may aid with stillbirth prevention. Overcoming barriers to prenatal care is essential for preventing CS stillbirths. Low rates of prenatal care also highlight the importance of syphilis testing outside traditional settings and at the time of stillbirth delivery. Delivery may provide a rare interaction with the healthcare system enabling syphilis testing and treatment, and prevention of future CS-related adverse outcomes. |
Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Children and Adolescents Aged <18 Years Hospitalized with COVID-19 - Six Hospitals, United States, July-August 2021.
Wanga V , Gerdes ME , Shi DS , Choudhary R , Dulski TM , Hsu S , Idubor OI , Webber BJ , Wendel AM , Agathis NT , Anderson K , Boyles T , Chiu SK , Click ES , Da Silva J , Dupont H , Evans M , Gold JAW , Haston J , Logan P , Maloney SA , Martinez M , Natarajan P , Spicer KB , Swancutt M , Stevens VA , Brown J , Chandra G , Light M , Barr FE , Snowden J , Kociolek LK , McHugh M , Wessel D , Simpson JN , Gorman KC , Breslin KA , DeBiasi RL , Thompson A , Kline MW , Bloom JA , Singh IR , Dowlin M , Wietecha M , Schweitzer B , Morris SB , Koumans EH , Ko JY , Kimball AA , Siegel DA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (5152) 1766-1772 During June 2021, the highly transmissible(†) B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, became the predominant circulating strain in the United States. U.S. pediatric COVID-19-related hospitalizations increased during July-August 2021 following emergence of the Delta variant and peaked in September 2021.(§) As of May 12, 2021, CDC recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for persons aged ≥12 years,(¶) and on November 2, 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations were recommended for persons aged 5-11 years.** To date, clinical signs and symptoms, illness course, and factors contributing to hospitalizations during the period of Delta predominance have not been well described in pediatric patients. CDC partnered with six children's hospitals to review medical record data for patients aged <18 years with COVID-19-related hospitalizations during July-August 2021.(††) Among 915 patients identified, 713 (77.9%) were hospitalized for COVID-19 (acute COVID-19 as the primary or contributing reason for hospitalization), 177 (19.3%) had incidental positive SARS-CoV-2 test results (asymptomatic or mild infection unrelated to the reason for hospitalization), and 25 (2.7%) had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19.(§§) Among the 713 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 24.7% were aged <1 year, 17.1% were aged 1-4 years, 20.1% were aged 5-11 years, and 38.1% were aged 12-17 years. Approximately two thirds of patients (67.5%) had one or more underlying medical conditions, with obesity being the most common (32.4%); among patients aged 12-17 years, 61.4% had obesity. Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 15.8% had a viral coinfection(¶¶) (66.4% of whom had respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] infection). Approximately one third (33.9%) of patients aged <5 years hospitalized for COVID-19 had a viral coinfection. Among 272 vaccine-eligible (aged 12-17 years) patients hospitalized for COVID-19, one (0.4%) was fully vaccinated.*** Approximately one half (54.0%) of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 received oxygen support, 29.5% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 1.5% died; of those requiring respiratory support, 14.5% required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Among pediatric patients with COVID-19-related hospitalizations, many had severe illness and viral coinfections, and few vaccine-eligible patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were vaccinated, highlighting the importance of vaccination for those aged ≥5 years and other prevention strategies to protect children and adolescents from COVID-19, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. |
Predicting Emergence of Primary and Secondary Syphilis Among Women of Reproductive Age in U.S. Counties
Kimball A , Torrone EA , Bernstein KT , Grey JA , Bowen VB , Rickless DS , Learner ER . Sex Transm Dis 2021 49 (3) 177-183 BACKGROUND: Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe congenital disease when not treated during pregnancy, is on the rise in the United States. Our objective was to identify U.S. counties with elevated risk for emergence of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among reproductive-aged women. METHODS: Using syphilis case reports, we identified counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among reproductive-aged women in 2017 and ≥ 1 case in 2018. Using county-level syphilis and sociodemographic data, we developed a model to predict counties with emergence of P&S syphilis among women and a risk score to identify counties at elevated risk. RESULTS: Of 2,451 counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among reproductive-aged women in 2017, 345 counties (14.1%) had documented emergence of syphilis in 2018. Emergence was predicted by the county's P&S syphilis rate among men; violent crime rate; proportions of Black, White, Asian, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander persons; urbanicity; presence of a metropolitan area; population size; and having a neighboring county with P&S syphilis among women. A risk score of ≥20 identified 75% of counties with emergence. CONCLUSIONS: Jurisdictions can identify counties at elevated risk for emergence of syphilis in women and tailor prevention efforts. Prevention of syphilis requires multidisciplinary collaboration to address underlying social factors. |
A logic model framework for planning an international refugee health research, evaluation, and ethics committee
Payton C , Kumar GS , Kimball S , Clarke SK , AlMasri I , Karaki FM . Health Promot Pract 2021 23 (5) 852-860 Collaborative approaches to supporting the health of refugees and other newcomer populations in their resettlement country are needed to address the complex medical and social challenges they may experience after arrival. Refugee health professionals within the Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers (SRHP)-the largest medical society dedicated to refugee health in North America-have expressed interest in greater research collaborations across SRHP membership and a need for guidance in conducting ethical research on refugee health. This article describes a logic model framework for planning the SRHP Research, Evaluation, and Ethics Committee. A logic model was developed to outline the priorities, inputs, outputs, outcomes, assumptions, external factors, and evaluation plan for the committee. The short-term outcomes include (1) establish professional standards in refugee health research, (2) support evaluation of existing refugee health structures and programs, and (3) establish and disseminate an ethical framework for refugee health research. The SRHP Research, Evaluation, and Ethics Committee found the logic model to be an effective planning tool. The model presented here could support the planning of other research committees aimed at helping to achieve health equity for resettled refugee populations. |
High congenital syphilis case counts among U.S. infants born in 2020
Bowen VB , McDonald R , Grey JA , Kimball A , Torrone EA . N Engl J Med 2021 385 (12) 1144-1145 Congenital syphilis, a life-threatening infection caused by the transmission of Treponema pallidum from a woman to her fetus during pregnancy, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death.1 Whereas many infants with congenital syphilis are asymptomatic at birth,2 classic signs can appear in the first 2 years of life, including rash, copious nasal discharge (“snuffles”), hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice related to syphilitic hepatitis, bone deformities, and neurologic involvement. Although these sequelae can be prevented when maternal syphilis is diagnosed and treated 30 days or more before delivery,3 the incidence of congenital syphilis in the United States is increasing.2 |
Congenital syphilis diagnosed beyond the neonatal period in the United States: 2014-2018
Kimball A , Bowen VB , Miele K , Weinstock H , Thorpe P , Bachmann L , McDonald R , Machefsky A , Torrone E . Pediatrics 2021 148 (3) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During 2014-2018, reported congenital syphilis (CS) cases in the United States increased 183%, from 462 to 1306 cases. We reviewed infants diagnosed with CS beyond the neonatal period (>28 days) during this time. METHODS: We reviewed surveillance case report data for infants with CS delivered during 2014-2018 and identified those diagnosed beyond the neonatal period with reported signs or symptoms. We describe these infants and identify possible missed opportunities for earlier diagnoses. RESULTS: Of the 3834 reported cases of CS delivered during 2014-2018, we identified 67 symptomatic infants diagnosed beyond the neonatal period. Among those with reported findings, 67% had physical examination findings of CS, 69% had abnormal long-bone radiographs consistent with CS, and 36% had reactive syphilis testing in the cerebrospinal fluid. The median serum nontreponemal titer was 1:256 (range: 1:1-1:2048). The median age at diagnosis was 67 days (range: 29-249 days). Among the 66 mothers included, 83% had prenatal care, 26% had a syphilis diagnosis during pregnancy or at delivery, and 42% were not diagnosed with syphilis until after delivery. Additionally, 24% had an initial negative test result and seroconverted during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with CS continue to be undiagnosed at birth and present with symptoms after age 1 month. Pediatric providers can diagnose and treat infants with CS early by following guidelines, reviewing maternal records and confirming maternal syphilis status, advocating for maternal testing at delivery, and considering the diagnosis of CS, regardless of maternal history. |
Deaths in Children and Adolescents Associated With COVID-19 and MIS-C in the United States.
McCormick DW , Richardson LC , Young PR , Viens LJ , Gould CV , Kimball A , Pindyck T , Rosenblum HG , Siegel DA , Vu QM , Komatsu K , Venkat H , Openshaw JJ , Kawasaki B , Siniscalchi AJ , Gumke M , Leapley A , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Kauerauf J , Reid H , White K , Ahmed FS , Richardson G , Hand J , Kirkey K , Larson L , Byers P , Garcia A , Ojo M , Zamcheck A , Lash MK , Lee EH , Reilly KH , Wilson E , de Fijter S , Naqvi OH , Harduar-Morano L , Burch AK , Lewis A , Kolsin J , Pont SJ , Barbeau B , Bixler D , Reagan-Steiner S , Koumans EH . Pediatrics 2021 148 (5) OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, and hospital course among persons <21 years of age with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated death. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series of suspected SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths in the United States in persons <21 years of age during February 12 to July 31, 2020. All states and territories were invited to participate. We abstracted demographic and clinical data, including laboratory and treatment details, from medical records. RESULTS: We included 112 SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths from 25 participating jurisdictions. The median age was 17 years (IQR 8.5-19 years). Most decedents were male (71, 63%), 31 (28%) were Black (non-Hispanic) persons, and 52 (46%) were Hispanic persons. Ninety-six decedents (86%) had at least 1 underlying condition; obesity (42%), asthma (29%), and developmental disorders (22%) were most commonly documented. Among 69 hospitalized decedents, common complications included mechanical ventilation (75%) and acute respiratory failure (82%). The sixteen (14%) decedents who met multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) criteria were similar in age, sex, and race and/or ethnicity to decedents without MIS-C; 11 of 16 (69%) had at least 1 underlying condition. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths among persons <21 years of age occurred predominantly among Black (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic persons, male patients, and older adolescents. The most commonly reported underlying conditions were obesity, asthma, and developmental disorders. Decedents with coronavirus disease 2019 were more likely than those with MIS-C to have underlying medical conditions. |
SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a Georgia school district - United States, December 2020-January 2021.
Gettings JR , Gold JAW , Kimball A , Forsberg K , Scott C , Uehara A , Tong S , Hast M , Swanson MR , Morris E , Oraka E , Almendares O , Thomas ES , Mehari L , McCloud J , Roberts G , Crosby D , Balajee A , Burnett E , Chancey RJ , Cook P , Donadel M , Espinosa C , Evans ME , Fleming-Dutra KE , Forero C , Kukielka EA , Li Y , Marcet PL , Mitruka K , Nakayama JY , Nakazawa Y , O'Hegarty M , Pratt C , Rice ME , Rodriguez Stewart RM , Sabogal R , Sanchez E , Velasco-Villa A , Weng MK , Zhang J , Rivera G , Parrott T , Franklin R , Memark J , Drenzek C , Hall AJ , Kirking HL , Tate JE , Vallabhaneni S . Clin Infect Dis 2021 74 (2) 319-326 BACKGROUND: To inform prevention strategies, we assessed the extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and settings in which transmission occurred in a Georgia public school district. METHODS: During December 1, 2020-January 22, 2021, SARS-CoV-2-infected index cases and their close contacts in schools were identified by school and public health officials. For in-school contacts, we assessed symptoms and offered SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing; performed epidemiologic investigations and whole-genome sequencing to identify in-school transmission; and calculated secondary attack rate (SAR) by school setting (e.g., sports, elementary school classroom), index case role (i.e., staff, student), and index case symptomatic status. RESULTS: We identified 86 index cases and 1,119 contacts, 688 (63.1%) of whom received testing. Fifty-nine (8.7%) of 679 contacts tested positive; 15 (17.4%) of 86 index cases resulted in ≥2 positive contacts. Among 55 persons testing positive with available symptom data, 31 (56.4%) were asymptomatic. Highest SAR were in indoor, high-contact sports settings (23.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.7, 33.3), staff meetings/lunches (18.2%, CI 4.5-31.8), and elementary school classrooms (9.5%, CI 6.5-12.5). SAR was higher for staff (13.1%, CI 9.0-17.2) versus student index cases (5.8%, CI 3.6-8.0) and for symptomatic (10.9%, CI 8.1-13.9) versus asymptomatic index cases (3.0%, CI 1.0-5.5). CONCLUSIONS: Indoor sports may pose a risk to the safe operation of in-person learning. Preventing infection in staff members, through measures that include COVID-19 vaccination, is critical to reducing in-school transmission. Because many positive contacts were asymptomatic, contact tracing should be paired with testing, regardless of symptoms. |
Characteristics and Disease Severity of US Children and Adolescents Diagnosed With COVID-19.
Preston LE , Chevinsky JR , Kompaniyets L , Lavery AM , Kimball A , Boehmer TK , Goodman AB . JAMA Netw Open 2021 4 (4) e215298 This cohort study uses data from the Premier Healthcare Database Special COVID-19 Release to assess the association of demographic and clinical characteristics with severe COVID-19 illness among hospitalized US pediatric patients with COVID-19. |
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Patients, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, March-April 2020.
Pettrone K , Burnett E , Link-Gelles R , Haight SC , Schrodt C , England L , Gomes DJ , Shamout M , O'Laughlin K , Kimball A , Blau EF , Ladva CN , Szablewski CM , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Oosmanally N , Drenzek C , Browning SD , Bruce BB , da Silva J , Gold JAW , Jackson BR , Morris SB , Natarajan P , Fanfair RN , Patel PR , Rogers-Brown J , Rossow J , Wong KK , Murphy DJ , Blum JM , Hollberg J , Lefkove B , Brown FW , Shimabukuro T , Midgley CM , Tate JE , Killerby ME . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (4) 1164-1168 We compared the characteristics of hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients who had coronavirus disease in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We found that risk for hospitalization increased with a patient's age and number of concurrent conditions. We also found a potential association between hospitalization and high hemoglobin A1c levels in persons with diabetes. |
Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Elementary School Educators and Students in One School District - Georgia, December 2020-January 2021.
Gold JAW , Gettings JR , Kimball A , Franklin R , Rivera G , Morris E , Scott C , Marcet PL , Hast M , Swanson M , McCloud J , Mehari L , Thomas ES , Kirking HL , Tate JE , Memark J , Drenzek C , Vallabhaneni S . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (8) 289-292 In-person learning benefits children and communities (1). Understanding the context in which transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), occurs in schools is critical to improving the safety of in-person learning. During December 1, 2020-January 22, 2021, Cobb and Douglas Public Health (CDPH), the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), and CDC investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission in eight public elementary schools in a single school district. COVID-19 cases* among educators and students were either self-reported or identified by local public health officials. Close contacts (contacts)(†) of persons with a COVID-19 case received testing. Among contacts who received positive test results, public health investigators assessed epidemiologic links, probable transmission directionality, and the likelihood of in-school transmission.(§) Nine clusters of three or more epidemiologically linked COVID-19 cases were identified involving 13 educators and 32 students at six of the eight elementary schools. Two clusters involved probable educator-to-educator transmission that was followed by educator-to-student transmission and resulted in approximately one half (15 of 31) of school-associated cases. Sixty-nine household members of persons with school-associated cases were tested, and 18 (26%) received positive results. All nine transmission clusters involved less than ideal physical distancing, and five involved inadequate mask use by students. Educators were central to in-school transmission networks. Multifaceted mitigation measures in schools, including promotion of COVID-19 precautions outside of school, minimizing in-person adult interactions at school, and ensuring universal and correct mask use and physical distancing among educators and students when in-person interaction is unavoidable, are important in preventing in-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Although not required for reopening schools, COVID-19 vaccination should be considered as an additional mitigation measure to be added when available. |
Decreases in Young Children Who Received Blood Lead Level Testing During COVID-19 - 34 Jurisdictions, January-May 2020.
Courtney JG , Chuke SO , Dyke K , Credle K , Lecours C , Egan KB , Leonard M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (5) 155-161 Exposure to lead, a toxic metal, can result in severe effects in children, including decreased ability to learn, permanent neurologic damage, organ failure, and death. CDC and other health care organizations recommend routine blood lead level (BLL) testing among children as part of well-child examinations to facilitate prompt identification of elevated BLL, eliminate source exposure, and provide medical and other services (1). To describe BLL testing trends among young children during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, CDC analyzed data reported from 34 state and local health departments about BLL testing among children aged <6 years conducted during January-May 2019 and January-May 2020. Compared with testing in 2019, testing during January-May 2020 decreased by 34%, with 480,172 fewer children tested. An estimated 9,603 children with elevated BLL were missed because of decreased BLL testing. Despite geographic variability, all health departments reported fewer children tested for BLL after the national COVID-19 emergency declaration (March-May 2020). In addition, health departments reported difficulty conducting medical follow-up and environmental investigations for children with elevated BLLs because of staffing shortages and constraints on home visits associated with the pandemic. Providers and public health agencies need to take action to ensure that children who missed their scheduled blood lead screening test, or who required follow-up on an earlier high BLL, be tested as soon as possible and receive appropriate care. |
The Seattle Flu Study: a multiarm community-based prospective study protocol for assessing influenza prevalence, transmission and genomic epidemiology.
Chu HY , Boeckh M , Englund JA , Famulare M , Lutz B , Nickerson DA , Rieder M , Starita LM , Adler A , Brandstetter E , Frazer CD , Han PD , Gulati RK , Hadfield J , Jackson M , Kiavand A , Kimball LE , Lacombe K , Newman K , Sibley TR , Logue JK , Lyon VR , Wolf CR , Zigman Suchsland M , Shendure J , Bedford T . BMJ Open 2020 10 (10) e037295 INTRODUCTION: Influenza epidemics and pandemics cause significant morbidity and mortality. An effective response to a potential pandemic requires the infrastructure to rapidly detect, characterise, and potentially contain new and emerging influenza strains at both an individual and population level. The objective of this study is to use data gathered simultaneously from community and hospital sites to develop a model of how influenza enters and spreads in a population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Starting in the 2018-2019 season, we have been enrolling individuals with acute respiratory illness from community sites throughout the Seattle metropolitan area, including clinics, childcare facilities, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, workplaces, college campuses and homeless shelters. At these sites, we collect clinical data and mid-nasal swabs from individuals with at least two acute respiratory symptoms. Additionally, we collect residual nasal swabs and data from individuals who seek care for respiratory symptoms at four regional hospitals. Samples are tested using a multiplex molecular assay, and influenza whole genome sequencing is performed for samples with influenza detected. Geospatial mapping and computational modelling platforms are in development to characterise the regional spread of influenza and other respiratory pathogens. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the University of Washington's Institutional Review Board (STUDY00006181). Results will be disseminated through talks at conferences, peer-reviewed publications and on the study website (www.seattleflu.org). |
COVID-19 Trends Among School-Aged Children - United States, March 1-September 19, 2020.
Leeb RT , Price S , Sliwa S , Kimball A , Szucs L , Caruso E , Godfred-Cato S , Lozier M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (39) 1410-1415 Approximately 56 million school-aged children (aged 5-17 years) resumed education in the United States in fall 2020.* Analysis of demographic characteristics, underlying conditions, clinical outcomes, and trends in weekly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence during March 1-September 19, 2020 among 277,285 laboratory-confirmed cases in school-aged children in the United States might inform decisions about in-person learning and the timing and scaling of community mitigation measures. During May-September 2020, average weekly incidence (cases per 100,000 children) among adolescents aged 12-17 years (37.4) was approximately twice that of children aged 5-11 years (19.0). In addition, among school-aged children, COVID-19 indicators peaked during July 2020: weekly percentage of positive SARS-CoV-2 test results increased from 10% on May 31 to 14% on July 5; SARS-CoV-2 test volume increased from 100,081 tests on May 31 to 322,227 on July 12, and COVID-19 incidence increased from 13.8 per 100,000 on May 31 to 37.9 on July 19. During July and August, test volume and incidence decreased then plateaued; incidence decreased further during early September and might be increasing. Percentage of positive test results decreased during August and plateaued during September. Underlying conditions were more common among school-aged children with severe outcomes related to COVID-19: among school-aged children who were hospitalized, admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), or who died, 16%, 27%, and 28%, respectively, had at least one underlying medical condition. Schools and communities can implement multiple, concurrent mitigation strategies and tailor communications to promote mitigation strategies to prevent COVID-19 spread. These results can provide a baseline for monitoring trends and evaluating mitigation strategies. |
Characteristics Associated with Hospitalization Among Patients with COVID-19 - Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, March-April 2020.
Killerby ME , Link-Gelles R , Haight SC , Schrodt CA , England L , Gomes DJ , Shamout M , Pettrone K , O'Laughlin K , Kimball A , Blau EF , Burnett E , Ladva CN , Szablewski CM , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Oosmanally N , Drenzek C , Murphy DJ , Blum JM , Hollberg J , Lefkove B , Brown FW , Shimabukuro T , Midgley CM , Tate JE , CDC COVID-19 Response Clinical Team , Browning Sean D , Bruce Beau B , da Silva Juliana , Gold Jeremy AW , Jackson Brendan R , Bamrah Morris Sapna , Natarajan Pavithra , Neblett Fanfair Robyn , Patel Priti R , Rogers-Brown Jessica , Rossow John , Wong Karen K . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (25) 790-794 The first reported U.S. case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in January 2020 (1). As of June 15, 2020, approximately 2 million cases and 115,000 COVID-19-associated deaths have been reported in the United States.* Reports of U.S. patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19) describe high proportions of older, male, and black persons (2-4). Similarly, when comparing hospitalized patients with catchment area populations or nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients, high proportions have underlying conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or chronic respiratory disease (3,4). For this report, data were abstracted from the medical records of 220 hospitalized and 311 nonhospitalized patients aged >/=18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from six acute care hospitals and associated outpatient clinics in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify patient characteristics associated with hospitalization. The following characteristics were independently associated with hospitalization: age >/=65 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4), black race (aOR = 3.2), having diabetes mellitus (aOR = 3.1), lack of insurance (aOR = 2.8), male sex (aOR = 2.4), smoking (aOR = 2.3), and obesity (aOR = 1.9). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to severe outcomes, including death, and measures to protect persons from infection, such as staying at home, social distancing (5), and awareness and management of underlying conditions should be emphasized for those at highest risk for hospitalization with COVID-19. Measures that prevent the spread of infection to others, such as wearing cloth face coverings (6), should be used whenever possible to protect groups at high risk. Potential barriers to the ability to adhere to these measures need to be addressed. |
Missed opportunities for prevention of congenital syphilis - United States, 2018
Kimball A , Torrone E , Miele K , Bachmann L , Thorpe P , Weinstock H , Bowen V . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (22) 661-665 Congenital syphilis is an infection with Treponema pallidum in an infant or fetus, acquired during pregnancy from a mother with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis. Congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death, and infected infants can experience lifelong physical and neurologic problems. Although timely identification and treatment of maternal syphilis during pregnancy can prevent congenital syphilis (1,2), the number of reported congenital syphilis cases in the United States increased 261% during 2013-2018, from 362 to 1,306. Among reported congenital syphilis cases during 2018, a total of 94 resulted in stillbirths or early infant deaths (3). Using 2018 national congenital syphilis surveillance data and a previously developed framework (4), CDC identified missed opportunities for congenital syphilis prevention. Nationally, the most commonly missed prevention opportunities were a lack of adequate maternal treatment despite the timely diagnosis of syphilis (30.7%) and a lack of timely prenatal care (28.2%), with variation by geographic region. Congenital syphilis prevention involves syphilis prevention for women and their partners and timely identification and treatment of pregnant women with syphilis. Preventing continued increases in congenital syphilis requires reducing barriers to family planning and prenatal care, ensuring syphilis screening at the first prenatal visit with rescreening at 28 weeks' gestation and at delivery, as indicated, and adequately treating pregnant women with syphilis (2). Congenital syphilis prevention strategies that implement tailored public health and health care interventions to address missed opportunities can have substantial public health impact. |
Demographics, substance use behaviors, and clinical characteristics of adolescents with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the United States in 2019
Adkins SH , Anderson KN , Goodman AB , Twentyman E , Danielson ML , Kimball A , Click ES , Ko JY , Evans ME , Weissman DN , Melstrom P , Kiernan E , Krishnasamy V , Rose DA , Jones CM , King BA , Ellington SR , Pollack LA , Wiltz JL . JAMA Pediatr 2020 174 (7) e200756 Importance: To date, limited information is available on the characteristics of adolescents with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Objective: To inform public health and clinical practice by describing differences in demographics, substance use behaviors, and clinical characteristics of EVALI among adolescents compared with adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: Surveillance data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the 2019 EVALI outbreak were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% CIs and to test differences between 360 hospitalized or deceased adolescents vs 859 young adults and 936 adults with EVALI (N = 2155). Main Outcomes and Measures: Demographics, substance use behaviors, and clinical characteristics. Results: Included in this cross-sectional study were 360 hospitalized or deceased adolescents (age range, 13-17 years; 67.9% male) vs 859 young adults (age range, 18-24 years; 72.4% male) and 936 adults (age range, 25-49 years; 65.6% male) with EVALI. Adolescents diagnosed as having EVALI reported using any nicotine-containing (62.4%), any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing (81.7%), and both (50.8%) types of e-cigarette or vaping products. Informal sources for obtaining nicotine-containing and THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products were more commonly reported by adolescents (50.5% for nicotine and 96.5% for THC) than young adults (19.8% for nicotine [aPR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.78-3.46] and 86.9% for THC [aPR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.18]) or adults (24.3% for nicotine [aPR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.49-2.84] and 75.1% for THC [aPR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.40]). Mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders were commonly reported; a history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was almost 4 times more likely among adolescents (18.1%) than adults (4.9%) (aPR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.92-7.26). A history of asthma was more likely to be reported among adolescents (43.6%) than adults (28.3%) (aPR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.14-2.05). Gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms were more common in adolescents (90.9% and 97.3%, respectively) than adults (75.3% and 94.5%, respectively) (aPR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13-1.28 and aPR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06, respectively). Because of missing data, percentages may not be able to be calculated from data provided. Conclusions and Relevance: Public health and clinical professionals should continue to provide information to adolescents about the association between EVALI and THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping product use, especially those products obtained through informal sources, and that the use of any e-cigarette or vaping product is unsafe. Compared with adults, it appears that adolescents with EVALI more frequently have a history of asthma and mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and report nonspecific problems, including gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms; therefore, obtaining a confidential substance use history that includes e-cigarette or vaping product use is recommended. |
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