Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회지)

Korean College Of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회)
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Clinical and Laboratory Features of Pediatric Patients with COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

COVID-19 소아 환자의 임상 양상 및 실험실적 특징: 체계적문헌고찰 및 메타분석

  • Yoon, Ha Young (College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Cho, Young Ah (College of Pharmacy, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Yee, Jeong (College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Gwak, Hye Sun (College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University) ;
  • Han, Ji Min (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University)
  • 윤하영 (이화여자대학교 약학대학) ;
  • 조영아 (경상대학교 약학대학) ;
  • 이정 (이화여자대학교 약학대학) ;
  • 곽혜선 (이화여자대학교 약학대학) ;
  • 한지민 (충북대학교 약학대학)
  • Received : 2020.10.04
  • Accepted : 2020.12.15
  • Published : 2020.12.31
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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.

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References

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