Evaluation of the novel coronavirus disease in Turkish children: Preliminary outcomes

Background The novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) can progress with mild to moderate or self-limiting clinical findings in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease features of Covid-19 in Turkish children. Methods Children diagnosed by the method of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for Covid-19 at the Dicle University Department of Pediatric, between April and June 2020, were evaluated. Hospital records were investigated retrospectively. Results One hundred and five patients children with the mean age of 108.64 +/- 65.61 months were enrolled in this study. The most common cause of transmission in pediatric patients was in contact with a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 91, 86.7%). The most common admission complaints were dry cough (n = 17, 16.2%), fever (n = 16, 15.2%), lassitude and fatigue (n = 14, 13.3%) respectively. More than 95% of all children with Covid-19 were asymptomatic, mild, or moderate cases. CRP was identified only independent factor associated with long duration of hospitalization. Conclusion The results of this study show the effect of Covid-19 on Turkish children. A clear understanding of the local epidemiology of corona virus infections and identification of risk factors are critical for the successful implementation of the prevention and control program.