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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2021; 10(03): 167-173
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718417
Review Article

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection among Children: Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Outcome

Krishna Rao Gurugubelli
1   Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
,
Ballambattu Vishnu Bhat
2   Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Kirumambakkam, Puducherry, India
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Funding None.
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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease that may lead to respiratory distress syndrome and even death. Neonates and children are most vulnerable population to COVID-19 infection; however, the infection is usually milder and has a better prognosis in pediatric patients compared with adults. It remains unclear why pediatric population is less symptomatic than adults. Children frequently experience respiratory infections and their immune system is in developing stage. However, large proportion of the asymptomatic pediatric population may contribute to transmission. This review explored several aspects of COVID-19 infection such as its epidemiology, its molecular pathogenesis with respect to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and inflammatory mediators, intrauterine vertical transmission, imaging findings, and complications like cytokine release syndrome (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children). We also looked at prognostic factors and treatment modalities like corticosteroids, RNA replicate inhibitors, protease inhibitors, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, that is, acalabrutinib and convalescent plasma therapy. Since there is no strong evidence for the intrauterine transmission, early isolation should be performed to protect a neonate from a COVID-19 infected mother. Development of vaccine and an effective antiviral drug are the need of the hour.

Keywords

COVID-19 infection - clinical features - diagnosis - treatment - children - neonates


Publication History

Received: 22 June 2020

Accepted: 02 September 2020

Article published online:
05 October 2020

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