Clinical Characteristics of Children With COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates: Cross-sectional Multicenter Study

• DOI: 10.2196/29049
• Publication Date: 2021-09-26T17:43:08Z
• Authors: Farah Ennab; Mariam ElSaban; Eman Khalaf; Hanieh Tabatabaei; Amar Hassan Khamis; Bindu Radha Devi; Kashif Hanif; Hiba Elhassan; Ketharanathan Sar...; David Cremonesini; Rizwana Popatia; Zainab Malik; Samuel B Ho; Rania Abusamra
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Pandemic

COVID-19 has infected over 123 million people globally. The first confirmed case in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was reported on January 29, 2020. According to studies conducted early epicenters of pandemic, fared mildly pediatric population. To date, there is a lack published data about infection among children Arabian region.This study aims investigate clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes with COVID-19.This cross-sectional, multicenter included admitted 3 large hospitals Dubai, UAE, between March 1 June 15, Serial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were collected, patients' demographics, premorbid inpatient hospital courses examined.In all, 111 our represented 22 nationalities. Of these, 59 (53.2%) boys. mean age participants 7 (SD 5.3) years. About 15.3% younger than year. Only 4 (3.6%) them had pre-existing asthma, all whom uneventful courses. At presentation, children, 43 (38.7%) asymptomatic, 68 (61.2%) mild or moderate symptoms, none (0%) severe illness requiring intensive care. Fever (23/111, 20.7%), cough (22/111, 19.8%), rhinorrhea (17/111, 15.3%) most common presenting symptoms resolved by day 5 hospitalization. Most patients no abnormality chest x-ray. abnormalities admission variations neutrophil count 24.7%), aspartate transaminase (18/111, 22.5%), alkaline phosphatase (29/111, 36.7%), lactate dehydrogenase (31/111, 42.5%). Children infrequently prescribed targeted medications, only receiving antibiotics. None 52 tested for viral coinfections positive. PCR turned negative at median 10 days (IQR: 6-14) after positive test. Overall, significant difference time results symptomatic asymptomatic children.This presentations characteristics presents look into burden population UAE. We conclude that percentage experienced disease uncommon Various observed despite stability. Ongoing surveillance, contact tracing, public health measures will be important contain future outbreaks.