Clinical features and physiotherapy management for Covid-19 in children.

Abstract

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 evidences. METHODS In this review, databases were searched between 1th January and 26 th March 2020. The following descriptors were considered: (novel coronavirus); (novel corona virus); Coronavirus; (corona vírus); 2019-nCoV; nCovor; COVID-19; SARSCoV-2; in the electronic databases National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The results were described through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. RESULTS 16 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, non-invasive 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 on ventilatory management, airway clearance techniques and early activities and mobilization.