Comparison of Clinical Findings in SARS-CoV-2 with Other Respiratory Viruses in Critically Ill Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory findings in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with those of other respiratory viruses in critically ill children.MethodsIt is a single center retrospective descriptive study conducted in a 32-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Our study was performed in Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected, and we recorded antibiotic use, antiviral treatments, respiratory and extracorporeal supports, PICU stay, and survival rates.ResultsA total of 202 pediatric patients who tested positive for either COVID-19 or for another respiratory virus (RVP) were included in the study. Seventy-two patients were COVID-19 positive. The median age of COVID-19 positive patients and RVP positive patients was 97 and 17 months, respectively. Hypoxia was much more common in patients with RVP than in COVID-19 patients. Low oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2), increased oxygen saturation index (OSI), and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) needs were more significant in RVP patients than in COVID-19 patients. Respiratory support therapies, such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), were used more frequently in RVP patients than in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionIt is important to distinguish between Covid-19 and RVP cases in order to prioritize intensive care needs in these patients. In addition, non-Covid diseases should not be left aside in the pandemic and appropriate care should be provided to them.