COVID‐19 in patients with persistent tachypnea of infancy

Abstract

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has raised substantial concern for patients with chronic lung diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children with persistent tachypnea of infancy (PTI). Methods Data on the history of COVID‐19, including diagnosis and clinical course of the infection, were collected during the regular follow‐up visits of children previously diagnosed with PTI. The diagnosis of COVID‐19 was based on laboratory criteria recommended by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Results Between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, 62 patients with PTI (median age 3.7 years; 42 boys, 20 girls) were evaluated. COVID‐19 was diagnosed in 38 patients (61.3%). Sixteen patients (42.1%) were asymptomatic, and 22 (57.9%) were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat. Sixteen patients (42.1%) were classified as having a mild course of COVID‐19, three children (7.9%) as moderate, and three children (7.9%) as severe. Follow‐up performed after a median of 6 months (range 3–12 months) revealed that, after COVID‐19, nearly all PTI patients returned to their prior status (32/38, 84.2%); 4 children (10.5%) suffered from exacerbating symptoms of PTI for 1 month. Two children (5.3%) became asymptomatic after COVID‐19. Conclusion The course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children with PTI is usually mild, and the risk of hospitalization is low. The course of PTI did not change after COVID‐19 in most children, and only a few patients experienced an exacerbation.