Effects of comorbidities associated with COVID-19 cases in Intensive Care Unit on mortality and disease progression.

OBJECTIVE: The patient's age, gender and the presence of certain concomitant diseases have been reported to play a part in the course and progression of COVID-19 in the literature. In this study, we aimed to compare the comorbidities causing mortality in critically ill Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-patients diagnosed with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data as regards the COVID-19 cases followed up in the ICU were retrospectively reviewed. 408 COVID-19 patients with positive PCR test were included in the study. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed in patients treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. While the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in survival rates due to comorbidities in critical COVID-19 patients, we also aimed to assess the comorbidities in severely intubated COVID-19 patients in terms of mortality. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in mortality was observed in patients with underlying hematologic malignancy and chronic renal failure (p=0.027, 0.047). Body mass index value in the mortal group was significantly higher in both the general study group and subgroup analysis (p=0.004, 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age and comorbidities such as chronic renal failure and hematologic malignancy in COVID-19 patients are associated with poor survival prognosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Investigation of long-term COVID-19 patients' quality of life and affecting factors: Data from single COVID-19 follow-up center.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 experienced changes in their quality of life. However, far less is known about how quality of life changes in long-term COVID-19 follow-ups. Aim: This article aims to explore the relationship between quality of life change and long-term COVID-19 patient status in the COVID-19 follow-up center. Patients and Methods: This study was designed retrospectively with patients admitted to the COVID-19 follow-up center between January and May 2021. The single group consisted of 125 patients. Their status and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) variables were compared at two different time intervals. The first admission indicates the first 3 months, and the second admission covers 3-6 months after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Results: Cough and chest pain increased in the second admission (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in SF-36 change according to age. The general health subgroup scores were lower in females than males (P = 0.004). The SF-36 Form's subgroups for physical function, physical role, emotional role, bodily pain, energy, mental health, general health, and social function showed improvement (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.026 P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.031, P <0.001, P <0.001, respectively). In addition, comparing with the SF-36 subgroups in terms of treatment places, a significant result was found between the inpatient and intensive care unit (ICU) in the general health subgroup (P = 0.044). Conclusions: The results show that quality of life may worsen during follow-up for COVID-19. In summary, these findings have significant implications for understanding long-term COVID-19 patients with a multidisciplinary approach and the necessity of follow-up centers to detect the unpredictable results of long-term COVID-19.

Effects of COVID-19 on axial spondyloarthritis disease flare

Aims: Rheumatological disease flares may occur after many infections. However, our knowledge of the post-Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) flares and related factors is limited. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the axial SpA patients who had COVID-19. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the medical records. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was applied via telephone for pre- and post-COVID-19 SpA symptoms. An increase of 2 points in the BASDAI score or any new extra-articular manifestations were defined as SpA flares and SpA patients were grouped as flares and no-flare. Factors predicting SpA flare were also analyzed. Results: A total of 48 axial SpA patients were included in the study [age, mean+or-standard deviation (SD): 42.3+or-8.6 years;male: 65%]. Post-COVID-19 SpA flare was identified in 19 patients (40%), and new extra-articular manifestations were recorded in 6 patients (13%). Although the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was more common in the flare group, the difference was not significant compared with that of the no-flare group. Other features of SpA and COVID-19 disease severity were similar between the flare and no-flare groups. In the flare group, the frequency of back pain (84% vs. 62%, p=0.091) and diarrhea (53% vs. 28%, p=0.080), and headache (84% vs. 52%, p=0.021) were higher than the no-flare group. No risk factor for a post-COVID-19 SpA flare could be identified. Conclusions: Post-COVID-19 flare was common in the axial SpA, and even new extra-articular manifestations could be reported. Although some clinical manifestations of COVID-19 were more common in patients with a flare, any predictive factor could not be identified among the study variables.

Does the Death Anxiety of Nurses Providing Care for Patients with Covid-19 Affect their Commitment to the Profession? A Correlational Descriptive Study

Nurses make up the largest group of healthcare professionals fighting Covid-19, and they frequently face patients with Covid-19 from hospitalisation to discharge. For this reason, they are exposed to several psychological pressures and occupational hazards. This study aimed to determine the relationship between death anxiety and commitment to the profession in nurses providing nursing care for patients with Covid-19 in Turkey. A correlational descriptive study was conducted with 130 nurses giving nursing care to patients with Covid-19 in a hospital in Turkey providing care to Covid-19 patients. A personal information form, the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale, and the Nursing Professional Commitment Scale were used to collect the study data. Descriptive statistical methods were used to summarise the general information. The data are expressed as “mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD)” or “frequency and percentage.” Correlations between the scales were determined using Spearman’s correlation test. The statistical significance level was accepted as p < 05. The mean score of nurses from the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale was 76.00 ± 23.44, and their mean score from the Nursing Professional Commitment Scale was 57.00 ± 14.60. No significant relationship was found between the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale and the Nursing Professional Commitment Scale scores (r = 0.085, p = .336). The findings of the study showed that nurses had a high death anxiety level, their commitment to the profession was moderate, and that no significant relationship was found between their death anxiety and commitment to the profession. Nurses should be supported by employers to enhance their professional commitment and reduce death anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic. © Unisa Press 2022.

A CASE OF REFRACTORY CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA INDUCED IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH VENETOCLAX

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia. Approximately 2% of patients with CLL develop immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during the course of the disease. When resistant to steroids, this constitutes as indication for treatment of the CLL. Here we report a patient with refractory ITP secondary to CLL successfully treated with venetoclax. Aims: To present an interesting case with CLL related refractory ITP treated successfully with novel agent venetoclax. Methods: Patient data was taken from the patient herself and Hospital records. Informed consent to publish the case is obtained from patient. Permission for off-label venetoclax and eltrombopag was obtained from Ministry of Health of Turkey. Results: 46-year-old female patient presented with lumps on her neck that were present for the last 9 months in November 2020. She has a history of frequent pneumonia and otitis but no constitutional symptoms. Her physical examination reveals multiple 2cm lymphadenopathies on her neck and no organomegaly or other pathological features. Blood work shows mild lymphocytosis (6800/mm3) with no serious cytopenias. Peripheral blood smear, flow cytometry and bone marrow biopsy were all compatible with CLL. She was classified as Binet A CLL and was followed up with no treatment after appropriate vaccinations against capsulated pathogens. In July and August 2021 she received two doses of mRNA vaccination against COVID-19. On 1st November 2021 she experienced excessive menstrual bleeding and blood work showed platelet count of 23000/mm3, she was started on steroids (1 mg/kg/day) and after 4 days platelet count has risen to 55000/mm3, she discontinued steroids on her own against medical advice. On 13th of November she presented with extensive petechiae and purpura and was again started on steroids and was given the courses of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) without any sustained response. She was refractory to platelet transfusions too. She was transferred to our clinic. She was found to have del11q and del13q. She refused bone marrow examination. She was treated with rituximab, steroids, vincristine, IVIG and eltrombopag for ITP without success (Fig. 1). She had a minimal response to IVIG only. She received two courses of bendamustine (90 mg/kg for two days) also without success. Three courses of plasmapheresis yielded no response either. After mild success with immunadsorbtion apharesis she was started on venetoclax plus rituximab with ramp-up. Sustained response was achieved within the first week of venetoclax therapy. (Figure Presented ) Summary/Conclusion: Gordon et al. reported 2 CLL cases one with ITP and other with Evans syndrome successfully treated with venetoclax. We think, this treatment should be considered in patients with refractory immune cytopenias secondary to CLL and assessed with prospective clinical trials.

EFFECTS of ANTI-SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION on SAFETY and DISEASE EXACERBATION in BEHCET'S DISEASE PATIENTS: A SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Background: Pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a major global health issue since December 2019. Patients affected by systemic rheumatic disorders represent a high-risk group for severe COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination has become one of the cornerstones of the fght against this disease. The EULAR and the ACR recommend vaccination in all patients with rheumatological diseases. There is a paucity of data regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases such as BehÇet's disease (BD). Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the safety and tolerance of COVID-19 vaccines, post-vaccine BD exacerbation and discontinuation of BD therapy in BD patients by retrospectively examining our BD cohort, from the patients' perspective. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 450 BD patients followed in our clinic using hospital records and formed a retrospective cohort of patients who met the International Study Group (ISG) criteria. COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccine type (inactivated or mRNA), post-vaccine side effects and exacerbations, drug compliance, change in treatment after exacerbation, and post-vaccine COVID-19 occurrence were evaluated by interviewing patients over the phone or face to face. Patient demographics, comorbid diseases, and active BD treatments were collected from our hospital records. Disease activity was measured using the BSAS and the BDCAF form. Results: Our cohort consisted of a total of 450 BD patients. Two hundred and eighty seven patients had at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the total number of COVID-19 vaccines (n= 639), 379 (59%) were Pfzer-BionTech vaccines and 257 (41%) were Sinovac vaccines. The side-effects after frst, second, third and fourth vaccine dose were 151 (52.6%), 135 (47%), 29 (10.1%) and 3 (1%), respectively. BehÇet fare after frst, second, third and fourth vaccine dose were 151 (52.6%), 135 (47%), 16 (22.9%) and 3 (33.3%), respectively. The most common side effects were arm pain, joint pains or arthritis, malaise, while the most common BD exacerbations were arthralgia or arthritis, oral aphthae, pap-ulopustular eruption Pfzer-BionTech and Sinovac vaccines were compared in terms of side effects, there was a signifcant difference after the 1st (p<0.001) and 2nd doses (p<0.001), but no signifcant difference was found at the 3rd dose (p= 0.353) (Table 1). When Pfzer-BionTech and Sinovac vaccines were compared in terms of BD exacerbations, no signifcant difference was found after the 1st (p= 0.417), 2nd (p= 0.465) and 3rd doses (p= 0.565). Only 4 patients (1.3%) developed exacerbation with organ involvement after COVID-19 vaccine. Anterior uveitis developed in 2 patients, panuveitis in 1 patient, panuveitis and deep vein thrombosis in one patient. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is well tolerated in BD patients, and that post-vaccine BehÇet's exacerbation predominantly includes mucocutaneous and articuler fndings, and exacerbations with organ involvement are rare. According to the COVID-19 vaccines, although the side effects were more in the Pfzer-BioNTech group compared to the Sinovac group, there was no difference between BehÇet's fare compared to the COVID-19 vaccines.

A SINGLE CENTER COVID-19 VACCINE EXPERIENCE in FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER PATIENTS

Background: To prevent COVID-19 disease SARS-CoV 2 vaccines put into use worldwide with emergency use authorizations despite ongoing safety concerns. Since pyrin mediated infammasome response is dysregulated in FMF, exposure to SARS-CoV 2 proteins via vaccination may potentially trigger infammation, leading to attacks and/or increased rate of adverse events (AE). Objectives: Aim of this study to investigate frequency of adverse events and attacks related to vaccination in recipients of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 comparatively in our FMF patients. Methods: Data regarding, number of vaccine doses, types of vaccines (Coro-naVac or BNT162b2), presence of AEs and/or FMF attacks after any vaccine dose within a month, history of COVID-19 infection before or after vaccination, adherence to FMF treatment during vaccination were collected from hospital database or via telephone. Results: A total of 161 vaccinated FMF patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 40.5 ± 11.7 years. 57.1% was female. 10.6% of the patients had chronic kidney disease and 9.3% had amyloidosis. Most common MEFV mutations were M694V heterozygous (27%) and M694V homozygous (21.6%). 93.2% of the patients were under colchicine, 21.8% under anti-interleukin 1 agents, 2.5% under TNF-a inhibitors. 96.3% of the patients adhered to FMF treatment during vaccination. Vaccination properties and data regarding adverse events are presented in Table 1. 57.8% of patients reported to suffer from an AE/attack after a vaccine dose. Number of patients with AE after BNT162b2 was signifcantly higher (p<0.001). None of the patients had severe AEs. 39 patients had COVID-19 infection prior to primary vaccination. 61.5% of these suffered from an adverse reaction/attack after vaccination, in comparison to 56.6% of the patients without prior COVID-19 infection (p=0.584). When patients with and without AEs/attacks were compared, no signifcant differences were observed regarding age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, FMF treatments and total vaccine doses. Conclusion: We observed considerable number of FMF patients suffered from vaccine related AEs/attacks, particularly with BNT162b2. However, no serious AE was detected. Demographics, clinical characteristics and prior history of vaccination did not signifcantly affect AE/attack occurrence.

EFFECTS of the COVID-19 DISEASE on AXIAL SPONDYLARTHRITIS DISEASE FLARE

Background: Rheumatological disease fares may be seen after many infections. However, our knowledge for the post-COVID axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) fares and its related factors is limited. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate disease activity and factors that may be associated with disease activity in axial SpA patients in post-COVID period. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the axial SpA patients who have had COVID-19 disease confrmed by a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerized chain reaction (PCR) test result. Demographics, comorbid diseases, active medical treatments for SpA and information regarding COVID-19 clinical courses were collected from medical records. PCR positive patients were reached via telephone and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scored for pre-and post-COVID SpA symptoms. An increase of ≥2 points in the BASDAI score was defned as fare, and SpA groups with and without fare were compared. Factors predicting SpA fare were also analyzed by the logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 48 axial SpA patients were included in our study, 65% of them male and the mean±SD age was 42.3±8.6 years. Post-COVID SpA fare was seen in 38% patients. Demographic, clinical, medical features of the SpA patients and COVID-19 disease severity were similar between Flare and No fare groups. In comparison of the COVID-19 symptoms, although most of the COVID-19 related symptoms were similar between two groups, the frequency of the back pain and diarrhea were higher in the Flare group than No fare group. But in multivariate analysis, only history of the infammatory bowel disease had an increased risk for post-COVID SpA fare (Table 1). Conclusion: The presence of infammatory bowel disease statistically signifcant related post-COVID SpA fares. In addition, diarrhea and back pain symptoms in COVID-19 disease may be stimulating factors for SpA fares but we found no effect of rheumatological therapies.

EFFECTS of SULFASALAZINE USED in AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS on COVID-19 OUTCOMES: REAL-LIFE DATA from A SINGLE CENTER

Background: Compared to biologic-agents, little is known about effects of sul-fasalazine used for axial spondyloarthritis(AxSpA) on COVID-19 outcomes. Objectives: So, we aimed to understand the impact of sulfasalazine on COVID-19 in AxSpA patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study from a single center which included 2344 AxSpA patients. We analyzed 219 of 406 confrmed COVID-19 patients from March 2020 to July 2021. The primary outcome was COVID-19 severity in terms of COVID-19 pneumonia, hospitalization rate and length of hospitalization. Analyses were stratifed according to use of sulfasalazine and/or biologic-agents. Results: Most of the patients were male(59%) with a mean age of 45.0 years. Peripheral arthritis was present in 35% and uveitis in 15%. In total, sulfasalazine was used in 42% and biologic-agent in 42%. COVID-19 pneumonia detected in 16%, hospitalization required in 14% and median(IQR) duration of hospitalization was 10(8) days. Two patients died due to COVID-19. The sulfasalazine users had higher age, more frequent COVID-19 pneumonia, hospitalization and longer hospitalization. After biologic-agent users were excluded, the sulfasalazine group had again longer hospitalization. When patients regrouped as sulfasalazine mon-otherapy, sulfasalazine+biologic and biologic monotherapy, in pairwise comparisons, sulfasalazine monotherapy group had a higher frequency of COVID-19 pneumonia than biologic monotherapy group(p=0.008). Conclusion: Although sulfasalazine seemed to be related with increased rates of COVID-19 pneumonia and hospitalization, this impact diminished after exclusion of biologic-agent users. Sulfasalazine monotherapy and sulfasalazine+bio-logic therapy might be associated with development of COVID-19 pneumonia, compared to biologic monotherapy. Our results imply sulfasalazine may be related with worse disease course AxSpA patients with COVID-19.

EVALUATION after COVID-19 VACCINATION in PATIENTS with ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) comprising lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2-glycoprotein I and/or anti-cardiolipin antibodies together with recurrent thrombosis and/or obstetric morbidity. In the course of COVID-19, thromboembolism may ocur due to endothelial dysfunction directly related to the viral factor and systemic infammatory response. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccines began to arise after unexpected thromboembolic events were launched with the launch of vaccine campaigns around the world to prevent the disease. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to contribute to the literature on this subject by evaluating the development of any side effects or activation of the disease after the COVID-19 vaccine in our APS patients. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study. The patients who meet the Sapporo Criteria for APS which are followed up in Ankara City Hospital Rheumatology Clinic, 18 years and over and vaccinated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines, were included into the study. The files of the patients were examined in order to evaluate the side effects and APS disease activation (thrombosis, embolism or pregnancy complications) in the 3-month period after the last dose of the COVID-19 vaccines (CoronaVac and BNT162b2). Also, information of the patients was collected via telephone or reviewed at regular follow-up visits. Results: A total of 35 patients were included into the study (Table 1). In our patients, we did not observe any new thrombotic events or pregnancy complications during the 3-months observation period after COVID-19 vaccinations. The most common side effects after vaccinations were as follows;myalgia (30%), weakness (16.7%) and fever (10%) (Table 2). No patient became pregnant or gave birth during the follow-up. Conclusion: According to our results, no thrombotic events or pregnancy complications were observed after CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines in APS patients. Apart from this, minor side effects related to COVID-19 vaccines were clinically acceptable level.

Patterns of Myocardia Involvement During COVID-19 Pandemic;From Newborn to Adolescents

Introduction: Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected people of all ages all across the world, with children accounting for 1.7 percent of cases. Despite the fact that over 90% of children with COVID-19 had asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease, new worries about hyperinflammatory states or Kawasaki-like disease have surfaced. Materials and Methods: We would like to present 17 patients with different patterns of myocardial involvement. They were selected from our database of 214 patients (19 newborns) hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment in our pediatrics clinic from March 2020 to October 2020. Selection criteria involved cardiac involvement in terms of positive laboratory findings (elevated troponin I) electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings. Results: Cardiac involvement was detected in only 17 (7.9%) of the 214 hospitalized patients. Patients were grouped into three categories according to their hospitalization units which were neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care and pediatric inpatient clinic. Most of our patients (88.2%) had elevated troponin I levels whereas 12 patients (70.5%) had abnormal electrocardiograms and echocardiographic exams. Fourteen (82.3%) of patients with high troponin I levels had also abnormal electrocardiograms whereas 13 (76.4%) of them had abnormal echocardiographic exams. Conclusion: Although we did not observe cardiac involvement in most of the patients (92.1%) hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment in our pediatrics clinic, subjects with involvement had quite diverse patterns ranging from only troponin I elevation to the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children needing arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity and clinical implications in COVID-19

Aim: To investigate clinical implications of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity detected in COVID-19 patients during follow up. Materials & methods: A retrospective survey in a hospital database was carried out to detect COVID-19 patients in which ANCAs had been tested. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected from this hospital database and compared between ANCA-negative and-positive patients. Results: ANCAs were tested in 87 COVID-19 patients. Eight had positivity in at least one ANCA test. COVID-19 symptoms on admission and rate of pulmonary involvement were similar. Acute phase reactant levels were higher in ANCA-positive patients. Rate of mortality was higher in the ANCA-positive group without statistical significance. Conclusion: ANCA positivity detected during COVID-19 in patients without a prior diagnosis of any rheumatic condition may be related with worse outcomes.

COVID-19 outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to investigate COVID-19 outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort was formed from APS patients. Patients were screened for a record of positive SARS-CoV 2 PCR. In PCR­positive patients, clinical data and information regarding COVID-19 outcomes were collected from medical records. RESULTS: A positive PCR test was detected in 9/53 APS patients, while 66.7 %, 33.3 % and 11.1 % of APS patients with COVID-19 were under hydroxychloroquine, LMWH or warfarin, and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively. There were 3/9 patients found to be hospitalized and one died. No new thrombotic event was reported in any of the patients during COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: Baseline use of hydroxychloroquine, antiaggregants and anticoagulants may be associated with an absence of new thrombotic event (Tab. 2, Ref. 33).

Evaluation of clinical characteristics, laboratory, radiological findings and outcomes of hospitalized children with coronavirus disease 2019

Objective: We assessed our knowledge about the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, laboratory/radiological findings, and outcomes of hospitalized children with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted on 54 children with COVID-19 who were hospitalized from March 16, 2020, to April 26, 2020, in the Pediatric Department at Sancaktepe Training &Research Hospital Istanbul, Turkey.

Anca-positive iga nephropathy presented as alveolar hemorrhage in a covid-19 patient

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily targets the respiratory system, but extrapulmonary involvements can be frequently seen. We presented a COVID-19 case with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive IgA nephropathy, alveolar hemorrhage, and rapidly progressive kidney disease. The patient received pulse corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin as treatment. Azathioprine was added as an immunosuppressive therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IgA nephropathy coexisting with COVID-19 infection.

Should We Perform Laboratory and Radiographic Evaluations for All Children with COVID-19?: A Single-Center Experience

Background The diagnostic and treatment strategies for children are limited because of the small number of children with COVID-19. A large proportion of infected children are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. We report our experience regarding clinical characteristics, laboratory, radiologic findings, and outcomes of children with COVID-19. Materials and Methods This retrospective single-center study was conducted on children with COVID-19. The data on epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory, and radiologic findings of patients were extracted from the hospital information management system records, and patients' forms filled upon admission. Results The median age of children was 121 months, 46.8% of the patients were females and 53.2% were males. Of the 581 children assessed, a total of 222 (38.2%) had positive test results;69 of them (31.1%) were asymptomatic. The median absolute lymphocyte and eosinophil counts were statistically significantly lower in symptomatic children (p = 0.001;p = 0.02). Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was statistically significantly higher in the symptomatic children (p = 0.001). Of 72 computed tomography scans, 35 (48.6%) were normal, and only 29 (40%) were consistent with classic/probable/ indeterminate COVID-19 predominant pattern. Conclusion Our results showed a few laboratory abnormalities in asymptomatic polymerase chain reaction positive children;therefore, unnecessary investigation might be avoided and clinicians should consider clinical symptoms.

How valuable is chest computed tomography in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019?

Objective: We aimed to investigate the importance of chest CT in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients with COVID-19 by comparing chest CT, laboratory, and clinical features. Materials and Methods: The clinical and image findings of 45 children with suspected COVID-19, addmited to our pediatric clinic between March and April,2020 were obtained from hospital electronic records.