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Purpose: There are currently only scarce data available describing imaging manifestations in children with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to analyse pulmonary lesions on chest radiography (CXR) in paediatric patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to compare the CXR results with clinical and laboratory data. Material and methods: In this prospective single-centre study we included 118 consecutive paediatric patients with COVID-19. CXR was performed in 107 patients. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed on the same day as CXR, immediately (0 to 2 days) after the COVID-19 diagnosis had been established. Results: Pulmonary lesions were found in 24/107 (23%) children, including 14/24 (58%) with bilateral abnormalities. Compared to patients with normal CXR, children presenting with pulmonary lesions were significantly younger (7.0 ± 4.5 vs. 9.5 ± 4.5 years, p = 0.03) and more commonly presented with an elevated D-dimer level (6/24, 25% vs. 5/81, 7%; p = 0.008). Almost half (46%) of the children with pulmonary lesions were asymptomatic, and 11/60 (18%) of all asymptomatic patients presented with abnormal CXR. Conclusions: Pulmonary lesions in the course of COVID-19 are more common in younger children and those presenting with an elevated D-dimer level. A significant proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients develop CXR abnormalities.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is characterized by fast deterioration in the mechanism of cytokine storm. Therefore, treatment with immunomodulating agents should be initiated as soon as hyperinflammation is established. Evidence for the use of tocilizumab (TCZ) in COVID-19 is emerging, but the drug in this setting is used "off label" with limited data on both effectiveness and safety. Therefore, Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of TCZ in severe COVID-19 cases. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a case of 27-year-old, otherwise healthy man, who was successfully treated with chloroquine, azithromycin, tocilizumab and a standard of care. Initially the magnitude of lung devastation, clinical deterioration and the need for mechanical ventilation suggested unfavorable prognosis. However, we observed complete regression in radiological changes and rapid clinical improvement. Irrespective of this, patient's serum interleukin 6 and aminotransferases remained elevated even after a month from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An overlapping effect of hyperinflammation, hypoxic organ injury and drug-related toxicity warrants a long-term follow-up for COVID-19 survivors. In addition, residual IL-6 receptors blockage may mask new infections. A standardized approach to follow-up for COVID-19 survivors is urgently needed. Current and future research should also investigate the impact of experimental therapies on lung tissue healing and regeneration, as well as long-term treatment toxicities.