Clinical features, differences in covid first, second, third waves- a data base study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Due to the pandemic all the institutes remain closed that led to significant physical and psychosocial problems among children and youths. Hence in our study we aim to compare the clinical features, differences in COVID 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective institutional study from the records of 1st three waves. The study included children and youths aged 18 years or younger with COVID-19 confirmed by the positive detection of SARS-CoV-2. The collected data included sex, age at diagnosis, clinical symptoms, dates of admission and discharge, were noted and analyzed. Results: Among 397 children and youths confirmed with COVID-19 infections, the mean age was <10 years, almost equal sex distribution and one 3rd were asymptomatic. Majority were symptom free in 2nd and 3rd waves. Cough and fever were the presenting symptoms Among all individuals, 394 individuals (99.2%) had mild illness. One subject had chilblains, one developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and one developed post-COVID-19 autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In all 3 waves, 204 patients with COVID-19 (51.4%) had domestic infections. Among these individuals, 186 (91.2%) reported having a contact history with another individual with COVID-19, of which most (183 individuals [90.0%]) were family members. Conclusions: We conclude that all children and youths with COVID-19 in countries had mild illness. In this cross-sectional study, children and youths with COVID-19 had a wide range of clinical presentations, from no symptoms to post-infectious immune-mediated complications.