Demographic Characteristics and Outcome of Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Admitted in a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India- A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an event of utmost importance in the medical field. It has affected the lives of millions worldwide, affecting adults more than children. But paediatric coronavirus disease is also complicated by its varied clinical presentation, difficulty in diagnosis and non availability of any rational protocol when it comes to the identification and management of cases. Aim: To assess demographic characteristics and outcome of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and Methods: A single-centre retrospective hospital- based observational study was carried out among 150 children. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken and tested using real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 infection to confirm Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). The information was collected from Medical Record Department (MRD) through Case Record Form (CRF). The clinical and laboratory features of all children (age ≥1 months to ≤12 years) were selected between 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2020 were noted and selected. The collected data was tabulated and all statistical analysis was done. Results: Out of 150 children, 81 (54%) were male and 69 (46%) were female. Only 26 (17.3%) were symptomatic. In these 26, respiratory system involved 12 (46.2%) children, followed by acute febrile illness in 7 (26.9%) and then neurological 3 (11.6%), gastrointestinal 2 (7.7%), haematological 1 (3.8%), and cardiovascular 1 (3.8%). Co-morbidities (thalassaemia, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and heart disease) were present in 5 (3.3%) children, in which 3 (60%) developed moderate and severe degree of illness. The treatment was given as per the protocol developed at Institutional level from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) guidelines. One child died and the rest were discharged. Conclusion: Majority of the children having SARS-CoV-2 infection were asymptomatic, however, few had mild illness. Furthermore, co-morbidities were contributed for severity of illness in the children affected with SARS-CoV-2 infection which leads into more vulnerable outcome.