COVID-19 Şüphesi Olan Çocuklarda Gastrointestinal Sistem Tutulumu: Türkiye’ den Tek Merkez Deneyimi

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to present the association between respiratory system disorders and gastrointestinal system involvement through showing that pediatric COVİD 19 patients can only display gastrointestinal symptoms. Materials and Methods: Three hundered COVID-19 patients between 1-18 years of age were included into the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to symptoms which are classified gastrointestinal, respiratory and gastrointestinal and respiratory groups. Diagnosis of COVID-19 were made by PCR testing. In patients with negative PCR testing, diagnosis was made according to clinical symptoms and contact history. Patients were analyzed in terms of demographic features, laboratory and imaging findings. Results: There were 300 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. PCR testing was positive in 129 of 300 children. All patients with only gastrointestinal symptoms had close contact history, 24 of 58 patients had PCR positivity (41.3%) and in 7 patients (12%), chest X- Ray findings were compatible with COVID-19. Two of 7 patients had negative PCR testing. Median NRL and CRP was higher in gastrointestinal group than respiratory group (p=0.034, p=0.028 respectively). Conclusions: Patients with gastrointestinal symptom and negative PCR testing should be evaluated carefully for early respiratory involvement without symptoms.