More than 175 000 manuscripts have been published related to COVID-19, including more than 10 000 focusing on SARS-CoV-2 in children, according to a PubMed search conducted at the end of August 2021. Published work has progressed from case reports and case series at the start of the pandemic to large, multicenter, and multinational prospective clinical trials over time. Innovative methods have been employed to compile and analyze data that have supported evidence-based guideline development. Access to diagnostics has helped to inform knowledge about transmission and epidemiology, supporting the development or application of therapeutic agents. Most importantly, years of pioneering research has resulted in the availability of safe and effective vaccines in record time, providing a powerful tool for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the course of the pandemic, The Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (JPIDS) has experienced a substantial increase in pediatric-related SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 manuscript submissions. We and others have published many valuable works and our knowledge of COVID-19 in children has evolved substantially over the past 18 months. We believe it is essential to articulate remaining knowledge gaps to encourage implementation and publication of high-impact research in these high-need areas of investigation.
Thus, we will prioritize manuscript submissions addressing one or more of the following 10 themes, as they relate to children and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19:
Well-designed observational studies or randomized clinical trials evaluating therapy for severe COVID-19.
Studies evaluating therapies to prevent infection or halt progression of disease, including monoclonal antibodies.
Observational studies assessing outcomes of children with underlying conditions or risk factors for severe disease, including social determinants of health.
Prospective studies evaluating the impact of emerging variants of concern on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes.
Longitudinal studies characterizing the outcomes of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and other post-COVID-19 conditions, including long COVID.
Studies evaluating the immunogenicity, reactogenicity, durability, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations in immunocompetent and immunocompromised children.
Studies evaluating the performance of new diagnostic tests and biomarkers in children.
Studies evaluating the impact of non-pharmacological interventions, such as masking, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and environmental controls to mitigate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens (eg, RSV, influenza) and conditions in childcare, school, and extracurricular settings.
Studies that assess the long-term impact of COVID-19, beyond the recognized postinfectious sequelae and beyond well-described phenomena such as learning loss and the decrease in the incidence of other infections.
Data-based studies evaluating control measures for schools and extracurricular activities.
As an editorial board, we strive to make information that addresses identified knowledge gaps available as efficiently as possible, while maintaining the quality and scientific validity of the published content. We look forward to continued submissions following these guidances to continue to update our readership as knowledge relating to SARS-CoV-2 in children continues to evolve.
Note
Potential conflicts of interest. All authors: No reported conflicts.
All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed