Case Series of COVID-19 Disease in Pediatric Chronic Lung Diseases

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Chronic respiratory comorbidities are expected to be a risk factor during COVID-19 pandemic. Data on COVID- 19 disease in pediatric chronic lung diseases are limited. <b>Methods:</b> The study was conducted retrospectively between March 2020 and December 2020. Cases with confirmed COVID-19 disease younger than 18 years old diagnosed with cystic fibrosis(CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia(PCD) and interstitial lung disease(ILD) were included in the study. <b>Results:</b> A total of 9 cases were included in the study. The mean age was 13.7±4.3 years. 55.6% were female. COVID-19 was observed in 6 CF, 3 PCD cases. All CF patients with COVID-19 were patients with pancreatic insufficiency and bronchiectasis. The COVID-19 disease was not observed in patients with ILD on follow-up. Among these patients with CF and PCD, 55% had a history of close contact out-of-home and 33% of positive cases of COVID-19 indoors. Most common symptoms were 44% fever, 33% myalgia, 33% sore throat. Two patients were needed hospitalization. COVID-19 PCR positivity was observed in a CF patient during her hospitalization due to pneumothorax who is candidate for lung transplant. She had a contact history with a COVID-19 positive person. No additional complaints were observed in this patient. She was discharged after 6 days of follow-up. One patient with a diagnosis of PCD was hospitalized due to pneumonia and discharged after 4 days of follow-up. All cases, including these two hospitalizations, followed up with mild clinical findings. None of these patients had symptoms after COVID-19 infection. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to our study, COVID-19 infection in children with chronic lung disease has a&nbsp;mild course similar to that&nbsp;in children&nbsp;without chronic diseases.