Title:COVID-19 in Children: A Narrative Review

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 3

Author(s):Jennifer F. Ha*

Affiliation:Department of Paediatrics Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands 6009, Western Australia

Keywords:COVID-19, review, children, asymptomatic, pediatric, infants, neonates, SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract:

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the third known zoonotic coronavirus. It is a disease that does not spare any age group. The scientific community has been inundated with information since January. This review aims to summarise pertinent information related to COVID-19 in children.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in 2020 on the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, with the keyword “COVID 19” and “children”. A bibliographic search of articles included was also undertaken. The abstracts were scanned to assess their appropriateness to be included in this narrative review. This was updated on the 11th April, 2020.

Results: The aetiology, transmission, incubation, pathophysiology, clinical features and complications, and management are discussed.

Conclusion: Our understanding of COVID-19 is evolving as more reports are published. The growth of SARS-CoV2 is limited in children and they are often asymptomatic. The disease course is also milder. Continued research to understand its effect on children is important to help us manage the disease in these vulnerable populations in a timely fashion.