Features of the clinical course of a new coronavirus infection in children

Background. Commonly, a new coronavirus infection in the pediatric population is characterized by an asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic course, in contrast to adults. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children include fever, catarrhal signs, intoxication of varying severity. Objective. Analysis of the clinical course of a new coronavirus infection in children in outpatient settings. Methods. An analysis of 78 case histories of children with COVID-19 who were treated in the Penza City Children’s Polyclinic, Children’s Polyclinic № 3 from September 2020 to February 2021 was performed. Results. It was revealed that the mean age of patients was 8.8 years. There were 52 boys (66.7%), 26 girls (33.3%). Asymptomatic course was diagnosed in 10 (12.8%) children, mild severity - in 52 (66.7%), moderate severity - in 16 (20.5%) children. The mean duration of illness was 18.5 days. In children with moderate COVID-19 severity, broncho-obstructive syndrome with a protracted course dominated in the clinical picture. Conclusion. Coronavirus infection in children can occur with broncho-obstructive syndrome. The first episode of bronchial obstruction may be the debut of bronchial asthma, which requires dynamic monitoring by a pediatrician, consultation with an allergist-immunologist, and a comprehensive examination after a COVID-19 infection. Evaluation of the features of the course of the disease, as well as monitoring its long-term consequences, remains relevant today.

COVID-19, COVID-19, children, broncho-obstructive syndrome, bronchial asthma