COVID-19 in Hospitalized Children: Clinical and Computed Tomography Challenges

Strategic Insights -

A new case series research study conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences has shed light on the clinical and computed tomography features of hospitalized children with COVID-19 infection. The study, published in the Iranian Journal of Radiology, reported on twelve patients who were admitted to the pediatric center of excellence with clinical symptoms of acute respiratory infections and underwent computed tomography imaging. The research found that tachypnea (75%) was the most common physical finding, with computed tomography being abnormal in 83.3% of patients, depicting subpleural consolidation, peribronchial thickening, round consolidation, and Halo sign.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to evaluate clinical and computed tomographic features in hospitalized children with COVID-19 infection, with a focus on 12 patients who were admitted to the pediatric center of excellence.
  • The patients had a range of symptoms, including tachypnea (75%), with computed tomography being abnormal in 83.3% of patients, depicting subpleural consolidation, peribronchial thickening, round consolidation, and Halo sign.
  • The empirical regimen in the hospital included hydroxychloroquine and oseltamivir, with some patients managing easily while others had prolonged hospital stays, particularly those with significant underlying conditions.
  • The study highlighted the challenges of COVID-19 infection in hospitalized children, emphasizing the importance of clinical vigilance and imaging technology in diagnosis and management.
  • The research was conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with additional authors including Neda Pak, Omid Ghaemi, Afshar Ghamari, and Gisoo Darban Hosseini Amirkhiz.
  • The study's findings have implications for the management and treatment of COVID-19 in pediatric patients.

Statistics:

  • 12 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of [not specified]
  • 75% of patients presented with tachypnea
  • Computed tomography was abnormal in 83.3% of patients
  • Subpleural consolidation, peribronchial thickening, round consolidation, and Halo sign were depicted in 80% of patients
  • Hydroxychloroquine and oseltamivir were the empirical regimen used in the hospital

Sources:

  • A Case Series of Covid-19 Respiratory Infection In Hospitalized Children: Clinical and Computed Tomography Challenges. Iranian Journal of Radiology, 2021;18(1).
  • Iranian Journal of Radiology can be contacted at: Kowsar Publ, Patersweg 22, Hoensbroek, Limburg 6431 Gc, Netherlands.
  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dept. of Radiology, 14 South Golestan Alley, Movahed Danesh St, Tehran, Iran.
  • NewsRx. New Data from Tehran University of Medical Sciences Illuminate Findings in COVID-19 (A Case Series of Covid-19 Respiratory Infection In Hospitalized Children: Clinical and Computed Tomography Challenges). Pediatrics Week. May 1, 2021; p 505.