Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Among Children

The study from June 2004 examined 44 children under 18 years old with confirmed SARS-CoV infection, finding that common symptoms included fever, cough, and malaise, with less than half testing positive for SARS-CoV via RT-PCR. Imaging and laboratory tests were important for diagnosis, with HRCT of the thorax being an early diagnostic aid. While nine children developed hypoxemia, with five requiring intensive care and three needing assisted ventilation, all recovered with no serious treatment adverse events, and outcomes were favorable at 3 to 6 months follow-up. Risk factors for severe illness included being older than 12, having a sore throat, and high neutrophil counts. The study's clinical case definition for SARS showed high sensitivity and specificity, but the WHO definition might miss pediatric cases. The study concluded that children, especially teenagers, can develop severe SARS-CoV infection, with the clinical course similar to adults, and emphasized the importance of supportive care and monitoring for potential transient effects like hair loss and psychological disturbances post-recovery.