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Dated 20th January 2022
Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Revised Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents (below 18 years)
The Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS (below 18 years) were reviewed by the group of experts in view of the current surge mainly attributed to the Omicron variant of concern. The available data from other countries suggests that disease caused by the Omicron variant is less severe; however, there is a need for careful watch, as the current wave evolves. These guidelines are dynamic and will be reviewed and updated, on the availability of new evidence.
The experts have assessed the available evidence and overall, the management remains unchanged, barring a few changes outlined below.
1. Title of the document has been changed from Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in CHILDREN (below 18 years) to Comprehensive Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS (below 18 years).
2. Use of antivirals or monoclonal antibodies is not recommended for children less than 18 years of age, irrespective of the severity of infection.
3. For diagnosing MIS-C, caution should be exercised while interpreting an isolated increase in COVID antibodies.
4. The CRP level for diagnosis of MIS-C has been revised as >5mg/dL.
5. If steroids are used, they should be tapered over 10-14 days, subject to clinical improvement.
6. Use of anticoagulants has been revised. 7. New section on post-COVID care has been added.
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