Spoulou V, Noni M, Koukou D, Kossyvakis A, Michos A. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in neonates and young infants. Eur J Pediatr. 2021 Mar 31:1–5. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04042-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33786658; PMCID: PMC8009690.

We report the clinical characteristics and management of fourteen neonates and very young infants with COVID-19. Although all presented with mild symptoms and did not require specific treatment, most of them had abnormal laboratory and radiological findings. Ten infants presented with neutropenia and/or monocytosis but none with lymphopenia. Transient hypertriglyceridemia and/or prolonged viral shedding were detected in 9 patients.Conclusion: Based to our experience, COVID-19 is mild in very young infants and might have distinct laboratory findings. What is Known: • SARS-CoV-2 in infants is a mild disease. • The period of transmission is approximately 2 weeks. What is New: • Very young age is not a risk factor for severe COVID-19 but could be associated with prolonged viral shedding. • Neutropenia and monocytosis are distinct characteristics of COVID-19 in very young infants.