Analysis of Clinical and Radiologic Parameters in Children Diagnosed with COVID-19 Infection at Admission and Discharge

Abstract

Background: Recognizing risk factors for poor prognosis among COVID-19 patients is crucial, especially given the absence of standardized treatments and medications. Objectives: In the present study, our aim was to survey changes in clinical parameters in children diagnosed with COVID-19 infection from admission to discharge. Methods: The present retrospective cross-sectional study focused on children with COVID-19 infection. All demographic data and clinical information of patients were extracted upon admission and at discharge from the hospital. Data analysis utilized the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Multivariable regression modeling was employed to identify factors predicting the probability and duration of hospitalization in ICUs for children with COVID-19. Results: Elevated levels of ESR, CRP, creatinine, and ferritin were found in 51.7%, 67.4%, 69.3%, and 53.6% of patients upon admission. Moreover, 98.2% and 38.3% of patients had high levels of ALP and AST. Platelet (PLT) and neutrophil levels were higher at discharge compared to admission (P < 0.001), while creatinine levels were lower at admission than at discharge (P < 0.001). Patients admitted to ICUs exhibited significantly higher levels of pulse rate (P < 0.001), respiratory rate (P < 0.001), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P = 0.01), red cell distribution width (RDW) (P = 0.002), prothrombin time (PT) (P = 0.006), and ESR (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Pulse rate, respiratory rate, MCV, RDW, PT, ESR, and oxygen saturation (SPO2) percentage can be used to predict the severity of COVID-19 disease. However, further studies are needed to determine the prognosis and severity of COVID-19 infection in children.