Pediatric infected with 2019 coronavirus: A referral center study on 21
pediatrics in north of Iran
Abstract
Background: COVID-19, a novel pneumonia associated with the 2019
coronavirus infected pneumonia suddenly broke out in the world. The aim
of this study is to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics
of pediatric patients with COVID‐19. Patients and method: Twenty-one
patients confirmed by clinical and laboratory findings from 20 February
to 19 April, 2020 in North of Iran were included. Demography
information, clinical, laboratory and radiological findings, and
treatment strategies of patients were evaluated. All statistical
analyses were performed using SPSS version 13.0 software. Results: Body
temperature was ≥38ºC in 11(52.4%) patients. Eleven (52/3%) patients
had tachypnea and 4(19%) of them developed tachycardia. Six (30%) of
patients suffered from a decrease in white blood cells. Also a decrease
in creatine phosphokinase level was seen in 1(33%) of patients. Nine CT
scans (42.85%) demonstrated a halo sign. Seven patients’ (33.33%) CT
scans showed a patchy infiltration. Nine (42.85%) CT scans had
bilateral crazy-paving pattern. 38.1% of patients were treated with
chloroquine and oseltamivir. Four (19.04%) patients died and
17(80.95%) patients were discharged from the hospital. One of the
patients who died suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Conclusion: We found out that pediatrics, especially boys are more
susceptible to COVID‐19 and it is more common in school-age and
toddlers. Manifestations are milder than adults and severe cases
associated with underlying disease. The effectiveness of medications
used in the treatment of this disease need further study.