Baricitinib appears safe for both immunocompetent and immunocompromised children hospitalized for severe COVID-19.

Most adverse events did not inhibit therapy administration, and there were no deaths following the initiation of baricitinib.

Early baricitinib discontinuation for abnormal laboratory studies (6 of 7; 86%) was predominantly secondary to provider caution.

The evaluation of baricitinib use for severe COVID-19 in children is limited because of the relatively small numbers that develop severe infection compared with adults.

Additionally, of the children that reach eligible disease states, many are outside the current EUA.

Further baricitinib safety and outcome data, particularly in those aged younger than 2 years, is needed to inform the management of severe COVID-19 in children.

Read More