Profile and Outcome of Children with COVID-19 Attending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic. Covid-19 has spread around Bangladesh and children are also being infected with comparatively fewer symptoms and lower case-fatality rates. <i>Objectives</i>: To assess the clinical profile, disease severity, presence of co-morbidities and outcome of pediatric COVID-19 patients. <i>Methods</i>: This prospective observational study was conducted in the fever clinic and the Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Data were collected from the confirmed cases by using a structured questionnaire by face to face interview and also over telephone at 1^st visit and at 2^nd and 8^th week of disease course. Collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. <i>Result</i>: Among 2091 suspected COVID 19 cases attending fever clinic and department of Pediatrics, 462 (22.09%) were real time polymerized chain reaction (RT PCR) COVID 19 positive. Of them 377 (81.60%) responded to the questionnaire and subsequent follow up. Highest numbers of cases were found in June 2020. More than 60% of cases were within the age group of 10 to 18 years and 3.44% were infants. Male: female ratio was 1.04:1. Associated co-morbid conditions were present in 21.48% patients. Fever was the most common (72.67%) clinical feature followed by others. Incidences of severe and critical illness were more in older children. Most of the moderate cases and all of the severe and critical COVID cases were managed in the inpatient department including Pediatric intensive care unit. Among them, 100% required oxygen therapy, 72.41% needed oral or IV steroids, 8.6% and 6.9% needed intravenous immunoglobulin and biological agents (Tocilizumab) respectively. Seventeen patients (4.5%) recovered with some complications. <i>Conclusions</i>: Among suspected cases 22% were RT-PCR positive. Majorities were in the older age group and most of the moderate and all the severe and critical cases also belonged to older age group. Most of the cases (94.42%) recovered without complication and 4.5% recovered with some complications. Mortality was 1.06%.