- Children represent 1-5% of confirmed COVID-19 cases. In general, they present milder symptoms than adult patients, possibly accounted for by the fact that they have less comorbidities and a less mature angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). They have a lower mortality rate.
- Pediatric patients could be discharged from hospital when body temperature is normal for 72h, respiratory symptoms have improved and COVID-19 tests are negative.
This systematic literature review, conducted at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, identified 45 relevant articles published up to 2020 March 18 using Medline and EMBASE. Most articles came from China. It is essential to mention that few articles from Italy, Iran and North Korea were spotted, even though these countries have numerous patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Not all children diagnosed with COVID-19 had their diagnosis confirmed by laboratory testing.
Source :
Jonas F Ludvigsson. (March 23, 2020). Systematic Review of COVID-19 in Children Show Milder Cases and a Better Prognosis Than Adults. Acta Paediatrica. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.15270