Omicron virus as a cause of epididymoorchitis in children

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to answer the question if Omicron -variant of Corona virus- is one of the causes of viral epididymo-orchitis in children and to analyse its clinical course with a trial to search for any predisposing factors.Methods: A total of 76 children proved to have Omicron infection were included in this study. Sixty-nine of them had no testicular pain (group A) while 7 had testicular pain and acute scrotum (group B). Comparison between the 2 groups was done regarding history and laboratory findings. Group B patients were analysed regarding the clinical pictures, the ultrasonograpgy (US) findings, and followed up for one month.Results: Testicular pain occurred in 9.2% of children with Omicron infection. Clinical presentation and US findings of epididymo-orchitis were evident in 4 boys (out of 7 with testicular pain). No statistically significant difference was reported between the 2 groups A & B, regarding the patients’ age, duration of infection, history and laboratory findings.Conclusion: Omicron is one of the causes of viral epididymo-orchitis or testicular pain in children. In this study, we did not find a clinical or laboratory data to predict testicular pain or epididymo-orchitis in children with Omicron viral infection.