This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes the COVID-19 disease characterization in pediatric age groups, including the possibility of vertical transmission to neonates.

The authors examined articles published up to April 2, 2020.

Among these studies, the most frequently reported symptoms were cough 49% (95% CI: 42 – 55%) and fever 47% (95% CI: 41- 53%). Lymphopenia and increased Procalcitonin were recorded in (21%, 95% CI:12 – 30%) and (28%, 95% CI:18 – 37%) respectively. There were no differences in prevalence by sex. Intensive care unit and death were extremely rare. The case fatality rate was 0%.

Six studies examined whether SARS-CoV-2 could be transported from an infected mother to her neonate via vertical transmission. Within these studies, 4 out of 58 neonates (6.8%) born to COVID-19 confirmed mothers tested positive for the disease. Limited evidence suggests that the virus is not transmitted to breast milk.