A systematic review and meta-analysis of otorhinolaryngological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in paediatric patients

Abstract

Background: This meta-analysis provides a quantitative measure of the otorhinolaryngological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in children.

Methods: A structured literature review was carried out using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central, employing pertinent search terms. The statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.2 software, and the analysed data were expressed as the pooled prevalence of the symptoms with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results: The commonest symptoms noted were cough (38 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval = 33-42; I² = 97.5 per cent)), sore throat (12 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval =10-14; I² = 93.7 per cent)), and nasal discharge (15 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval = 12-19; I² = 96.9 per cent)). Anosmia and taste disturbances showed a pooled prevalence of 8 per cent each. Hearing loss, vertigo and hoarseness were rarely reported.

Conclusion: Cough, sore throat and nasal discharge were the commonest otorhinolaryngological symptoms in paediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Compared with adults, anosmia and taste disturbances were infrequently reported in children.

Keywords: COVID-19; Child; Cough; Olfaction Disorders; Prevalence; Respiratory System.