Clinical characteristics of pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Hunan, China: A retrospective, multi-center case series

Abstract Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, treatment and short-term prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in children with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to twelve hospitals in eight cities in Hunan province, China, from January 26, 2020 to June 30, 2020.Results A total of 48 children were enrolled in this study. 11 cases (23%) were asymptomatic, 15 cases (31%) were mild, 20 cases (42%) were moderate, and 2 cases (4%) were severe. No children were critical requiring intensive care. The most common symptom was fever (42%), cough (40%), fatigue (17%) and diarrhea (10%). The total peripheral blood leukocytes count decreased in two case (4%), Lymphocytopenia was present in 5 cases (10%). There were abnormal chest CT changes in 22 children (46%), including 15 (68%) with patchy ground glass opacity. In addition to supportive treatment, 41 children (85%) received antiviral therapy, 11 patients and (23%) were treated with antibiotics, 2 children (4%) were treated with methylprednisolone and IVIG. There was no death occurred.Conclusions Most children with SARS CoV-2 infection in Hunan province were asymptomatic, mild or moderate. Severe cases are rare. Close family contact was the main route of infection. The younger the age, the less obvious symptoms for children might be. Epidemiological history, nucleic acid test and chest imaging were important tools for the diagnosis in children.