A STUDY OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF PEDIATRIC COVID 19 PATIENTS IN A GOVERNMENT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:After two stormy waves in adults, epidemiologists are predicting third wave to be more severe in vulnerable pediatric population which is yet to be vaccinated. Therefore, to address this issue we aim to present clinical characteristics and outcome of children with COVID-19 infection admitted to a government tertiary care hospital during rst and second COVID-19 pandemic wave which can help in planning clinical services to manage these children in face of escalating pandemic. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional observational study of 94 children admitted with COVID-19 infection between April 2020 and March 2021 who were tested positive by RTPCR or Rapid antigen test for COVID-19. RESULTS: In the study population of 94 children, the Median age was 4 years with Age group ranging from 3 days -12 years consisting of 28.7% infants. 53.2% were males and 81.9% had history of exposure in family. Out of total admissions, 25(26.6%) were asymptomatic, 48 (51.1%) had mild symptoms, 7.4% had moderate illness and 14.9% were severely ill. Fever (54.3%), cough 26.6%, and cold 21.3% were the most common presenting complaints. 22(23.4%) had co morbidities with SAM being most common. Amongst the inammatory markers, it was noticed that, 27(28.7%) had raised CRP levels, 36(38.3%) had raised d dimer levels, 69(73.4%) had raised ferritin levels and 28(29.8%) had raised LDH levels. 9 patients required non-invasive support and 11 needed invasive oxygen support. Out of total 94 patients, 10(10.6%) did not survive. CONCLUSIONS- Most children acquired infection through household contacts. Although lower incidence than adults, children too have severe COVID-19 infections. The presence of a comorbid illness in pediatric patients with COVID-19 did not impact the severity in our study