An Observational Study on Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Pediatric Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Presenting With Comorbidities at RIMS, Ranchi

INTRODUCTION: SARS COVID-19 infection leads to wide range of symptoms in comorbid pediatric patient. In view of its susceptibility affecting pediatric age groups with comorbidities and its potential to increase the mortality rate, it may have adverse effects on the outcome of such children. This study aims at better understanding of clinical profile and its outcome of pediatric population. METHOD: A total of 50 pediatric patients aged 1 to 17 years with comorbidities and laboratory confirmed COVID-19 that were admitted at the RIMS, Ranchi from 1(st) April 2020 to 31(st) December 2020 were studied. RESULT: 34 (68%) resided in the hot spot areas of the region, 8(16%) resided in the non- hot spot areas and 8(16%) had migrated from elsewhere. Higher proportion of males between 11-15 years of age were affected (64%).Our study shows that the majority of the children that were affected were of the age group 11-15 years (52%). 38(76%) of these children presented with fever as their major complaints, cough in 28(56%), sore throat in 2 (4%), diarrhea in 6(12%), vomiting in 11 (22%), breathing difficulty in 20 (50%) and 30 (60%) had other symptoms. Out of 50 patients admitted, 3 died. In our study majority of comorbid condition was thalassemia major. CONCLUSION: The presenting characteristics, comorbidities, and severity of illness of pediatric patients with COVID-19 were different, and milder, compared with adults.