COVID-19 Infection in Iranian Children: A Case Series of 9 Patients

Background: COVID-19 is an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the infection a global pandemic. The incidence, severity, and prognosis of this disease are likely to be different in children compared with adults. Herein we present 9 pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection in Iran. Case Presentation: We present 9 pediatric cases of COVID-19 admitted to different hospitals in Iran. Six patients were male. The youngest was two years old and the oldest one ten years. All children had at least one infected family member. Fever, chills, myalgia, cough, tachypnea, retraction, and crackle were common in all cases. None of our patients presented with diarrhea, vomiting, or a runny nose. Three cases had leukopenia and lymphopenia. COVID-19 RNA was identified in three cases. In all cases, elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were detected. Two cases had a high level of lactate dehydrogenase. All cases received supportive care and antibiotic therapy and were discharged within six days with a good general condition. Conclusions: COVID-19 pneumonia prognosis is good in children with no underlying diseases. Our patients recovered without the need for LPN/r, ribavirin, or mechanical ventilation.