Clinical and Laboratory Features of Pediatric Patients with COVID-19:Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
10.24304/kjcp.2020.30.4.270
- Author:
Ha Young YOON
1
;
Young Ah CHO
;
Jeong YEE
;
Hye Sun GWAK
;
Ji Min HAN
Author Information
1. College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2020;30(4):270-278
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Although the identification of clinical and laboratory features in pediatric COVID-19 patients is essential in establishing an appropriate treatment plan, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the topic has yet to be reported.
Methods:We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to access clinical and laboratory characteristics as well as clinical outcomes of children with COVID-19 infection. A meta-analysis using random-effect model was performed to estimate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals.
Results:Among the 532 studies initially collected, 12 articles were finally included in the meta-analysis. Among the investigated 320 pediatric patients with COVID-19, fever (48.2%) and cough (39.3%) were the most common symptoms.Almost one third of patients (30.4%) were asymptomatic. In laboratory findings, only 11.4% of pediatric patients experienced lymphocytopenia. Increased inflammatory markers including c-reactive protein (18.6%) and procalcitonin (32.4%) were observed.Only a few patients needed mechanical ventilation and intensive care support, and only one death was reported.
Conclusion:Pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection exhibited milder symptoms and more favorable outcomes compared to adults. However, considering the high rate of asymptomatic pediatric patients, close monitoring is required to prevent community infection in asymptomatic conditions and hidden disease progression.
