Systematic review of respiratory symptoms and spirometry parameters
Seven studies from Italy, Turkey, Germany and USA evaluated the clinical symptoms and respiratory functions in children post COVID-19 infection. Sample size ranged from 16 to 82 participants. The age of patients was varying from 7 to 15 years. Respiratory function was evaluated at least 6 weeks after infection. The most common clinical symptoms were cough, dyspnea, exercise intolerance and fatigue. In two studies no respiratory symptoms were reported (14, 19). Regarding spirometry parameters, four studies reported that COVID-19 did not affect respiratory functions (13-16) and three studies reported that it could affect pulmonary function (17-19). In four studies patients with a history of asthma were excluded (13, 14, 17, 19). In two studies spirometry parameters were measured before and after bronchodilator inhalation (13, 18). In five studies all types of COVID-19 were included (15, 17-19) and in two studies only mild or asymptomatic patients were enrolled (13, 14). Among 7 eligible studies, one study reported the z score of spirometry parameters (16). So it not included to meta-analysis.