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Clinical features and physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in children
Paulo A Magalhães1, Fernanda Lanza2, Bárbara Bernardo Figueiredo3
1Research Group of Neonatal and Pediatric Physical Therapy, Baby GrUPE, Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil - paulof.magalhaes@upe.br.
Insights
Physiotherapy for children with COVID-19 focuses on respiratory support and early mobilization. This approach aims to manage functional limitations and improve recovery from the viral infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Rehabilitation Sciences
Background:
- COVID-19 presents a global health challenge, impacting various aspects of life.
- Limited research exists on the clinical-functional presentation and physiotherapy management of COVID-19 in children.
- This review synthesizes current evidence on physiotherapy interventions for pediatric COVID-19 cases.
Approach:
- A systematic review of literature published between January 1 and March 26, 2020.
- Searched major databases including PubMed/Medline, SciELO, and PEDro.
- Utilized keywords related to COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, analyzing results through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Key Points:
- COVID-19 can restrict participation in activities and impair respiratory function and exercise tolerance in children.
- Personal protective equipment and contact precautions are crucial components of care.
- Immediate oxygen therapy for hypoxia is vital, with advanced respiratory support (e.g., nasal high-flow oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, prone positioning) indicated when necessary.
- Airway clearance techniques should be used judiciously, and early mobilization is encouraged.
Conclusions:
- Physiotherapy interventions for pediatric COVID-19 include ventilatory management, airway clearance, and early activity/mobilization.
- These interventions are essential for addressing the functional consequences of the virus in children.
- Evidence-based physiotherapy supports the comprehensive management of children affected by COVID-19.
Background:
COVID-19 has quickly become a worldwide threat to health, travel, and commerce. Studies adressing the clinical-functional presentation of viral infection and physiotherapy management in children are scarce. The purpose statement was to provide current perspectives on the physiotherapy interventions for managing children based on COVID-19 evidence.
Methods:
In this review, databases were searched between January 1, and March 26, 2020. The following descriptors were considered in the electronic databases National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro): (novel Coronavirus), (novel corona virus), Coronavirus, (corona vírus), 2019-nCoV, nCovor, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. The results were described through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
Results:
Sixteen papers were included in this review. COVID-19 seems to lead to restriction of participation and interfere in tasks, such as recreation and leisure activities, respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Personal protective equipments and contact precautions are important part of treatment. Effective oxygen therapy should be given immediately in presence of hypoxia. Nasal high-flow oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, lung-protective ventilation strategies and prone position, should be undertaken when necessary under appropriate conditions. Airway clearance techniques should be administered only strictly needed and early activities must be encouraged.
Conclusions:
Potential physiotherapy interventions for children with COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 consist of ventilatory management, airway clearance techniques and early activities and mobilization.
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