Uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 Infections with Preserved Lung Function in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Three-Year Single-Centre Experience

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Patients with chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, were considered a risk group for a severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 at the beginning of the pandemic. However, mounting evidence suggests that this group may not face an elevated risk for a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. <b>Methods</b>: Here, we present data on the incidence and clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a single pediatric CF centre in Austria. Clinical variables were analyzed for their potential impact on disease acquisition and severity. A total of 135 young people with CF were assessed from February 2020 until December 2022. <b>Results</b>: Eighty-four patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2, out of which nine patients reported re-infection, resulting in 93 SARS-CoV-2 infections. Most infections, 76/93 (82%), occurred during the period of omicron variant predominance. Higher body mass index and respiratory colonization with <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> before the beginning of the pandemic were significantly associated with the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. All patients had an uncomplicated COVID-19 course, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 variant and COVID-19 vaccine status at infection. The most frequent symptoms were rhinitis (53%), fatigue (49%), cephalea (43%), and fever (38%). Neither oxygen therapy nor hospitalization were needed for any of the patients. Lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEF50, LCI), both in the early post-viral as well as late post-viral stages, were not significantly impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infections. No long-term post-COVID-19 effects were reported. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our single-centre experience suggests that the course of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents with CF is primarily mild and uncomplicated.