Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics, Laboratory, Radiological Findings and Outcomes of Hospitalized Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Varol F., Eser Ö., Kaplan G., Boga A., Pirdal B., Güven Ş.

Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences, cilt.1, sa.6, ss.1, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi) identifier

Özet

ABSTRACT Objective: We assessed our knowledge about the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, laboratory/radiological findings, and outcomes of hospitalized children with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted on 54 children with COVID-19 who were hospitalized from March 16, 2020, to April 26, 2020, in the Pediatric Department at Sancaktepe Training &Research Hospital Istanbul, Turkey. Results: The median age of our patients was 121.5 months (range 1-214 months), of the 54 hospitalized children, 48.1% (n=26) were female, and 51.9% (n=28) were male. The most common symptom was cough (n=24, 44.4%). The median duration of hospitalization was five days (range 1-13 days). According to the PCR test results, 24 (44.4%) patients were positive, and 30 (55.6%) were negative. Among 54 children, white-cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were significantly lower, and CRP levels were significantly higher in PCR negative patients. Computed tomography was performed in 26 children, and 19 (73.1%) CT scans were consistent with classic/probable/indeterminate COVID-19 predominant patterns. Oxygen requirement was significantly higher in our PCR negative patients. Conclusion: As a result of the low sensitivity of PCR test results, clinicians should consider clinical signs and symptoms in deciding on the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Keywords: Children, clinical features, Covid19