Frontiers in Pediatrics (Apr 2022)

Comparison of Severe Viral Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses Among Malaysian Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • David Chun-Ern Ng,
  • Kah Kee Tan,
  • Grace Sieng Sing TING,
  • Chin Ling,
  • Nur Fadzreena Binti Fadzilah,
  • Shir Fong TAN,
  • Thayasheri Subramaniam,
  • Nur Emylia Binti Zailanalhuddin,
  • Hui Yi LIM,
  • Suhaila Binti Baharuddin,
  • Yee Lean LEE,
  • Airena Mohamad Nor,
  • Erwin Jiayuan Khoo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.865099
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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ObjectivesWe described the etiology of severe pneumonia in children during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia and compared the clinical features of severe SARS-CoV-2 to other respiratory viruses.MethodsThis retrospective study included all children aged 12 years and below hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between 1 April 2021 and 31 October 2021. We extracted demographic and clinical data and used logistic regression to examine risk factors associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 or other viral pneumonia.ResultsA total of 111 children were included. The median age was 15 months. Human rhinovirus/enterovirus, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common etiology of severe pneumonia. Codetection of >1 viral pathogen was present in 14 (12.6%) patients. Children with severe COVID-19 presented early in the course of illness and had lower rates of pediatric intensive care admission. The presence of sick contact with an adult was a predictor for SARS-CoV-2, whereas adventitious breath sounds were predictive of other respiratory viruses.ConclusionsThe etiology of severe pneumonia in children evolved with the epidemic curve of COVID-19 and school closures. Children with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 experienced a milder clinical course when compared to other respiratory viruses.

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