Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case series in Sinaloa

Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus may affect both adults and children. Although COVID-19 has a lower prevalence in infancy and has been described as mild, the clinical characteristics may vary, and there is a possibility of complications. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of confirmed COVID-19 pediatric cases in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, during the first 3 months of the pandemic, and children admitted with COVID-19 to a secondary hospital.

Methods: This case series includes all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, identified in the state epidemiological surveillance system (SISVER) between March 1 and May 31, 2020. Confirmed patients admitted to the Sinaloa Pediatric Hospital (HPS) in the same period are also described.

Results: Fifty-one children with SARS-CoV-2 were included, of which ten were admitted to the HPS. The median age was 10 years. The more frequent symptoms were fever (78%), cough (67%), and headache (57%). Most cases were mild or asymptomatic. Three patients with comorbidities died. Only four of ten patients identified in HPS were admitted with the diagnosis of possible COVID-19.

Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection in children was mostly mild or asymptomatic, and the clinical presentation varied. There is a possibility of complications, especially in children with comorbidities.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave; Epidemiology; Epidemiología; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Signos y síntomas; Signs and symptoms.