Description of clinical and epidemiological features of hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite the worldwide dissemination of COVID-19, the epidemiological and clinical patterns of the disease remain uncertain in the pediatric age group. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitalized in the ward of Hospital Regional João Penido, located in Juiz de Fora, MG. METHODS: A cohort study was carried out, with data collection from the period of hospitalization regarding epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological criteria through a specific form developed for the research of pediatric patients, hospitalized from March 11, 2020 to March 11, 2021, who received a diagnosis of COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR or by IgM/IgG serology. RESULTS: Of the patients with COVID-19, 49.2% were aged up to 3 years, 66.2% were male and, among the comorbidities, chronic respiratory disease was the most prevalent (26.9%). Most patients had a clinical respiratory condition (72.7%). Regarding disease severity, 38.5% had mild disease, 23.1% moderate, 23.1% severe and 12.3% critical. In the outcome, 98.5% were discharged from the hospital and only 1 patient, who had several comorbidities, died. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has varied clinical, radiological and laboratory presentations and, since there is no single or specific treatment, cases must be analyzed and managed individually.

Keywords

• coronavirus
• covid-19
• pediatrics