Document Type : original article

Authors

1 Pediatric respiratory disease research center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Pediatric Respiratory Disease Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/jpp.2024.75151.5371

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with COVID-19 presenting to Dr. Masih Daneshvari Hospital from September 2021 to September 2022 to provide insights into the diagnosis and effective management of COVID-19 infection in children.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a 70 children (under 18 years old) with COVID-19, meeting the study's inclusion criteria, were enrolled after obtaining informed written consent from their parents, and no charges were imposed on them. Demographic information, including age, gender, and family history of COVID-19 exposure, was recorded for the patients. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C - C-reactive protein (CRP), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), were documented according to standard questionnaires. Finally, the study results were analyzed using SPSS software to enhance the diagnosis and follow-up of children with COVID-19.

Results: Among the 70 study participants, 32 were female (45.7%), and 38 were male (54.3%). Regarding age distribution, 14 cases (20%) were less than six years old, 23 cases (32.9%) were aged 6-12 years, and 33 cases (47.1%) were aged 12-18 years. Among the 70 participants, 66 (94.3%) tested positive for PCR-COVID, while 4 had negative PCR-COVID results. Common clinical findings in the study population included fever, cough, and lethargy.

Conclusion: In symptomatic patients, laboratory findings are mainly present that can help identify individuals who are severely ill. Overall, COVID-19 disease in children has a lower prevalence and severity than adults, and the mortality rate is estimated to be very low.

Keywords

Children with COVID-19,, ,،Cough,, ,،Fever,, ,،CBC,, ,،ESR,, ,،CRP