Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Pediatric Patients: A Review of Epidemiology, Symptomatology, Laboratory and

Ali Hasan1, Noormah Mehmood1, Jamie Fergie2

  • 1Pediatrics, Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi, USA.

Cureus
|April 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases are rising, though fewer than in adults. This review synthesizes current pediatric COVID-19 data to aid clinical management and algorithm development for healthcare providers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) declared a global pandemic.
  • Pediatric COVID-19 cases are fewer than adult cases but increasing.
  • Limited published data specific to pediatric COVID-19 exists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiological factors, symptomatology, and diagnostic workup for pediatric COVID-19.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview for pediatric practitioners.
  • To guide the development of clinical management algorithms for pediatric COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies on pediatric COVID-19.
  • Synthesis of epidemiological data, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings.
  • Analysis of metrics relevant to the pediatric population.

Main Results:

  • Summary of current understanding of pediatric COVID-19 epidemiology.
  • Detailed description of symptoms and clinical course in children.
  • Overview of laboratory and imaging findings in pediatric cases.

Conclusions:

  • The review provides essential information for pediatricians managing COVID-19.
  • Findings can inform the creation of institutional clinical algorithms for pediatric COVID-19 care.
  • Further research on pediatric COVID-19 is needed to refine management strategies.

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