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What we know so far about Coronavirus Disease 2019 in children: A meta‐analysis of 551 laboratory‐confirmed cases
Author(s) -
Zhang Linjie,
Peres Tyele G.,
Silva Marcus V. F.,
Camargos Paulo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.24869
Subject(s) - medicine , covid-19 , coronavirus , meta analysis , intensive care medicine , betacoronavirus , virology , pandemic , coronavirus infections , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , outbreak
Abstract Aim To summarize what we know so far about coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in children. Method We searched PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information from 1 January 2020 to 4 May 2020. We selected randomized trials, observational studies, case series or case reports, and research letters of children ages birth to 18 years with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analyses to calculate the weighted mean prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) or the weighted average means and 95% CI. Result Forty‐six articles reporting 551 cases of COVID‐19 in children (aged 1 day‐17.5 years) were included. Eighty‐seven percent (95% CI: 77%‐95%) of patients had household exposure to COVID‐19. The most common symptoms and signs were fever (53%, 95% CI: 45%‐61%), cough (39%, 95% CI: 30%‐47%), and sore throat/pharyngeal erythema (14%, 95% CI: 4%‐28%); however, 18% (95% CI: 11%‐27%) of cases were asymptomatic. The most common radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings were patchy consolidations (33%, 95% CI: 23%‐43%) and ground glass opacities (28%, 95% CI: 18%‐39%), but 36% (95% CI: 28%‐45%) of patients had normal CT images. Antiviral agents were given to 74% of patients (95% CI: 52%‐92%). Six patients, all with major underlying medical conditions, needed invasive mechanical ventilation, and one of them died. Conclusion Previously healthy children with COVID‐19 have mild symptoms. The diagnosis is generally suspected from history of household exposure to COVID‐19 case. Children with COVID‐19 and major underlying condition are more likely to have severe/critical disease and poor prognosis, even death.