COVID-19 features in children and adolescents: a systematic review and pooled analysis.
EMBnet J
; 262021 Jul.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1863406
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate special features and probable correlations between symptoms, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of COVID-19 in children and adolescents, through a systematic review and pooled analysis. Following database (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase) search, forty articles were considered eligible identifying a total of 2,971 confirmed pediatric COVID-19 patients. Fever was reported in 55.1% of the cases, while 28.4% were asymptomatic. Radiological signs of pneumonia were observed in more than half of the cases and in 40.7% of asymptomatic patients. Fever showed the highest sensitivity (sensitivity 60.3%, specificity 48.8%), followed by cough (sensitivity 47.4%, specificity 76.7%), rhinorrhea (sensitivity 21.1%, specificity 88.4%) and diarrhea (sensitivity 10.3%, specificity 88.4%), in differentiating cases with positive radiological signs for pneumonia. Compared to school age children, preschoolers (adjusted OR=6.01, 95%CI 1.73-20.91) were more prone to pneumonia findings. Various combinations of treatments were used across studies, without following any strict guidelines. Most children (>90%) had full recovery and rarely presented complications. Fever seems to be the most frequent symptom in pediatric COVID-19, but pediatricians should additionally evaluate cough, rhinorrhea, and diarrhea as indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Asymptomatic cases were common, but not the majority, and a significant percentage had developed radiologic findings of pneumonia. Thorough reassessment of treatment and management guidelines should be helpful.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Reviews
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ej.26.1.946
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