Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric and adolescent patients of COVID-19, an experience of a Divisional Corona Center, Bahawalpur from South Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To assess various clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric and adolescent patients of COVID-19 of Bahawalpur division, to improve their outcome and management. Study design: Descriptive Cohort study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Civil Hospital Bahawalpur. Period: 1^st March to 30^th July 2020.  Material & Methods: Data of patients was recovered from hospital record. Data of variables like age, gender, rural or urban living area, symptomatology and need for hospitalization was collected from hospital record. Results: Out of total 516 diagnosed COVID-19 patients, 5.4% patients were of age less than 20 years, 32% from birth to 5 years, 20% from 6 to 10 years of age, 21.4% were 11 to 15 years of age, 28.5% were 16 to 20 years age group. 57.1% were male and 42.8% were female. 42.8% were asymptomatic, 32% patient had respiratory symptoms, 25% had Gastro-intestinal symptoms. 64.2% belonged to urban territory of living, 35.7% belonged to rural. 81.2% patients fall in mild category and 18.7% in moderate. Mortality was Null. Hospitalization was needed in 53.5%, while 46.5% were home quarantined. Mean duration of hospital stay was 14+1 days. Conclusion: Pediatric and adolescent patients have mild to moderate disease severity leading to better outcome of the disease.