04 Mar Study Finds Face Masks Safe in Children and Should Be Encouraged
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dott.ssa Silvia Bloise MD
Prof. Riccardo Lubrano MD PhD
Pediatric and Neonatology Unit
Maternal and Child Department
Sapienza University of Rome
Rome Italy
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Pending new evidence, the universal facial masking, with other preventive measures remain the only strategies to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The use of face mask is particularly debated in the children, especially in younger children. Therefore, we wanted to test whether their in children was associated with episodes of desaturation or respiratory distress.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Our study showed that the use of surgical face masks in children not cause changes in respiratory function; even in children younger than 24 months. Respiratory parameters recorded were within normal limits and no child developed clinical signs of respiratory distress both at rest and after walking test.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The main finding of our research is that the use of surgical masks is safe also in pediatric age and should be encouraged.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: These findings are useful to promote the use of surgical masks during COVID-19 pandemic among children. A strong work is necessary to sensitize the community to the use of the mask also in pediatric age in order to ensure greater safety even during school activities.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: We think that every precautionary measure against the diffusion of COVID-19 should be implemented.
Citation:
Lubrano R, Bloise S, Testa A, et al. Assessment of Respiratory Function in Infants and Young Children Wearing Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(3):e210414. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0414
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
[mailpoet_form id="5"]We respect your privacy and will never share your details.
[last-modified]
The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Last Updated on March 4, 2021 by Marie Benz MD FAAD