Peculiarities of the course of a novel coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 in children in the outpatient settings

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Abstract
Introduction. The emergence of new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and an increase in the number of cases around the world requires further study of the epidemiology, clinical peculiarities of the course and complications of this disease. Aim. Revealing the characteristic of spread, clinical picture and significance of clinical manifestations of a novel coronavirus infection in outpatients. Materials and methods. An analysis was carried out of 387 outpatient records of children with confirmed coronavirus infection (COVID-19) (group 1), as well as records of 9 children followed-up by a cardiologist for pericarditis with effusion who had previously had coronavirus infection or positive results of a rapid test for coronavirus infection (group 2). Results. When identifying possible sources of infection, we have found that half of the children in group 1 became got infected through contacts with members of their family. In 345 children (89.1%) of group 1, a rise in body temperature was noted, and mild systemic intoxication syndromes were observed in 316 children (81.7%). Gastrointestinal manifestations had 81 (21%) patients, skin syndrome such as exanthema on the trunk and limbs – only 20 (5%) patients, hemorrhagic events such as nosebleeds ¬– 5 (1.3%) patients. Patients of group 2 had more pronounced systemic intoxication with a predominant neurotoxic effect. Conclusion. The most common route of COVID-19 infection for children was intrafamilial transmission. Older children tolerated the infection more easily. The most common manifestations were fever, nonproductive cough, and signs of intoxication (myalgia, nausea, weakness). In complete blood count, neutropenia with lymphomonocytosis was a common finding. A complicated course occurred in 9 children with diagnosed pericarditis with effusion.