COVID-19 manifestations in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: The incidence of COVID-19 was underestimated in children, but recent waves have shown high infectivity in the pediatric age group. The knowledge about varied manifestations and prevalence of COVID-19 in lower and middle income countries is still scarce.

Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out in pediatric department of Fazl-e-Omar Hospital, Rabwah from January 2022, until April 2022.

Methodology: All the children of either gender from 1 months to 16 years of age who were diagnosed with COVID-19 were enrolled. Data were recorded in a predesigned data sheet and analyzed using SPSS 16. Post-stratification Chi-square test was applied by taking p-value <0.05 as significant.

Findings: A total of 52 children came out COVID-19 positive. Out of these 29 (55.8%) were males and 23(44.2%) were females. The median age was 8 (IQR 9) years. Co-morbidities were present in 3 (6%) patient while 49 (94%) had not any underlying disease. 26 (50%) of children reported exposure with COVID-19 positive patient. The main clinical feature was fever which was seen in 40 (91%) of patients, followed by cough 11(25%), and flu 10(23%). Only 8 (15.3%) children needed hospital admission. The disease was categorized as mild in the majority of 50 (96%) patients and the complications were observed in only 2(3.8%) children. The mortality was seen in 1(1.9%) patient.

Conclusion: COVID-19 resulted in mild illness with fever and upper respiratory tract involvement. The complications were seen in young children.