Abstract
Introduction: There is limited data available on the epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and transmission patterns in children with COVID-19, although there has been widespread information available regarding COVID-19 in adults. The objective of our study was to report our experience in the management of children admitted with COVID-19 to our hospital.
Materials & Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the in-patient records of all children 18 years of age admitted to our COVID-19 facility during the period March 2020 till May 2021. Detailed information including demographic data, travel and contact history, living conditions and overcrowding, symptoms, and presence of co-morbid conditions were noted. The clinical symptoms, physical findings, laboratory readings and imaging data were similarly noted and analysed.
Results: During the study period a total of 67 children (30 males and 37 females) with a mean age of 11.88 4.35 years were admitted to the COVID-19 facility. The presenting symptoms were fever (71.64%), skin rashes (14.93%), breathlessness (7.46%), cough (31.34%), cold (2.99%), headache (8.96%), sore throat (25.37%), loose motions (26.87%) and vomiting (8.96%). The RT-PCR was positive in 60 (89.55%) children. Sixty-one (91.045%) children recovered over a period of 10-14 days and were discharged. Six (8.955%) children died due to multisystem failure. When compared to the children who recovered, the children who died had a significantly raised serum ferritin, IL 6, C reactive proteins, D-Dimer levels, and Sr LDH.
Conclusions: COVID-19 has been affecting children, more so in the second wave, with increased hospitalizations and mortality.