Clinical features and outcome of COVID-19 positive children from a tertiary healthcare hospital in Karachi

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, differences in epidemiological and clinical features among pediatrics have been noticed across different countries. We describe the spectrum of COVID-19 in pediatric patients treated in tertiary health care. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients admitted to Indus Hospital & Health care network, Korangi campus, Karachi; from April 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2020. A total of 141 COVID-19 cases were reported, males were 81 (57%) and the median age was 8 (0.3-17) years. Moderate and severe infections were noted in 36(26%), and 17(12%) children respectively. Fever (50%) was the most common clinical feature. The SF ratio less than 264 was significantly associated with severe disease (p < .05). Lab investigations that differed significantly across disease severity groups included IL-6 levels (p < .01) and Prothrombin time (p < .05). Majority of children were advised home isolation 89 (63%), 29 (20.5%) were admitted while mortality was observed in 10 (7%) children. No significant difference was observed between children with and without malignancy. Pre-existing comorbidities are significantly associated with COVID-19 infections among children. Reduced SF ratio, elevated Prothrombin time, and interleukin-6 levels are associated with greater disease severity.