CHARACTERISTICS and considerations in the medical treatment of COVID‐19 in children

Abstract

It is rare for children to be in serious condition or die from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) except for those with underlying diseases such as chronic lung disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppressive disease. Recently, patients with hyperinflammatory shock have been identified among children who are confirmed to have or are suspected of having SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The presenting signs and symptoms are characterized by prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and cardiac involvement without any signs of pneumonia on chest computed tomography. However, it is uncertain at this time whether SARS‐CoV‐2 infection affects this syndrome. Compared to adults, quite a few children are asymptomatic even when infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, which could make these children serious sources of infection at home or in medical institutions. Considering these characteristics, it is important to take appropriate precautions during medical examinations and perform infection control in emergency departments to save the lives of both the children and adult patients. Most healthy children are suffering huge stress due to restrictions against going outside and school closures as social means to control infection. It is possible that children are socially isolated when they come to the emergency department, and they might require mental or social support even if they are only complaining about their physical condition. Healthcare providers are required to examine the children’s circumstances carefully and cooperate with workers in other professions appropriately.