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Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children With Suspected Acute Abdomen: A Case Series From a Tertiary Hospital in Spain
Marta Cabrero-Hernández1, Alberto García-Salido1, Inés Leoz-Gordillo1
1From the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Insights
This study details a novel presentation of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, characterized by hemodynamic instability and acute abdomen. This previously undocumented form required pediatric critical care and intensive support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- A subset of pediatric patients may develop severe illness requiring intensive care.
- The presentation of SARS-CoV-2 with acute abdominal symptoms has not been well-documented.
Abstract:
We describe 5 children with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, hemodynamic instability and suspected acute abdomen. This form of the disease has not been previously documented. Four of the cases were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1 probable. All of them were previously healthy and needed a pediatric critical care unit admission. The respiratory symptoms were not dominant or were absent. Also, fever was observed. Laboratory testing revealed lymphopenia and high levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin with D-dimer, ferritin and interleukin-6 usually elevated. Respiratory support and inotropic support were almost always necessary. In all of them, deterioration occurred on the day of admission.
