Evaluation of the novel coronavirus disease in Turkish Children; Preliminary Outcomes

Yılmaz, Kamil; Gozupirinççioğlu, Ayfer; Aktar, Fesih; Akın, Alper; Karabel, Müsemma; Yolbas, Ilyas; Uzel, V.Hulya; Şen, Velat

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (Covid‐19) can progress with mild to moderate or self‐limiting clinical findings in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease features of Covid‐19 in Turkish children. METHODS: Children diagnosed by the method of RT‐PCR for Covid‐19 at the Dicle University Department of Pediatric, between April and June 2020, were evaluated. Hospital records were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients children with the mean age of 108.64±65.61 months were enrolled in this study. The most common cause of transmission in pediatric patients was contact with a family member diagnosed with COVID‐19 (n=91, 86.7%).The most common admission complaints were dry cough (n=17, 16.2%), fever (n=16, 15.2%), lassitude and fatigue (n=14, 13.3%) respectively. More than 95 % of all children with Covid‐19 were asymptomatic, mild, or moderate cases. CRP was identified only independent factor associated with long duration of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the effect of Covid‐19 on Turkish children. A clear understanding of the local epidemiology of corona virus infections and identification of risk factors are critical for the successful implementation of the prevention and control program. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.