Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pediatric emergency. Presentation and disposition

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the demographics and commonpresentationsofpediatriccoronavirusdisease 2019 patients in the emergency department (ED), as well as their contact with positive COVID-19 cases, return visits, and patients’ disposition from the ED. Methods: A retrospective chart review of confirmed cases of COVID-19 presenting to the Pediatric ED from March 2020 until June 2020 was conducted. Results: Fifty-two patients were identified, with a higher frequency of male patients. Forty-four (85%) patients were discharged from the ED, and 8 (15%) required admission. Three patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and 2 died, resulting in a mortality rate of 3.8%. The most frequent presentations were fever (85%), cough (48%), and diarrhea (23%). Conclusion: In our study, the second most affected systemaftertherespiratorytractwasthegastrointestinal tract, which was also the system responsible for the most return visits due to diarrhea. Coronavirus disease 2019 poses clinical and operational challenges given its variable clinical presentations.