Clinical profile of Covid-19 in children: Study from a Medical College Hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: India reported its first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on 30th January 2020. During the first wave, it was noted that older individuals with comorbidities were mainly affected and in the second wave younger people including children were also affected.Objectives: To assess the clinico-epidemiological profile, investigations and outcomes in children admitted with Covid-19 to a Medical College Hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, India and to compare the first and second waves. Method:In this ambispective descriptive study, all patients below 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), admitted to a Medical College Hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, India from April 2020 to July 2021 were included. Epidemiological data, symptoms, clinical management and outcomes were noted and the differences between the two waves were assessed.Results: A total of 64 children (27 from the first wave and 37 from the second wave) were included; 25 (39%) children were exposed to a Covid-19 suspect with parents being the major source. The age groups mainly affected were 1-5 years (30%) and 11-18 years (27%); 56 (87%), 3 (5%) and 5 (8%) had mild, moderate and severe Covid-19 respectively and there was one death; 39 (61%) had fever, 13 (20%) had febrile convulsions and 3 were coinfected with dengue; 25 (40%) children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), of whom 9 _________________________________________ 1