Chest X-ray findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in children: Experiences in a multicenter study in Thailand.

<h4>Introduction</h4>Although chest X-ray is commonly used to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia, few studies have explored findings in pediatric patients. This study aimed to reveal chest X-ray characteristics in children with COVID-19 pneumonia and compare between non-severe and severe cases....

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Main Authors: Aunya Kulbun, Prakarn Tovichien, Chanapai Chaiyakulsil, Araya Satdhabudha, Harutai Kamalaporn, Kanokkarn Sunkonkit, Rattapon Uppala, Watit Niyomkarn, Vasinee Norasettekul, Kanokpan Ruangnapa, Chutima Smathakanee, Bararee Choursamran, Rasintra Jaroenying, Tidarat Sriboonyong, Phanthila Sitthikarnkha, Koonkoaw Roekworachai, Thanyarat Ratanavongkosol, Chutima Thongnual, Jitladda Deerojanawong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2024-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309110
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Summary:<h4>Introduction</h4>Although chest X-ray is commonly used to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia, few studies have explored findings in pediatric patients. This study aimed to reveal chest X-ray characteristics in children with COVID-19 pneumonia and compare between non-severe and severe cases.<h4>Methods</h4>This multicenter, nationwide retrospective study included all children aged 0 to 15 years who were admitted to 13 medical facilities throughout Thailand with COVID-19 pneumonia between January 2020 and October 2021. We analyzed the demographics, clinical features, and chest X-ray results of these children, and compared differences between the non-severe and severe groups.<h4>Results</h4>During the study period, 1018 children (52% male, median age 5 years) were admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia. Most chest radiographic findings showed bilateral (51%) patchy/ground glass opacities (61%) in the central area (64%). Only 12% of the children exhibited typical classification for COVID-19 pneumonia, whereas 74% of chest radiographs were categorized as indeterminate. Comorbidities including chronic lung diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 14.56 (3.80-55.75), P-value <0.001], cardiovascular diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 7.54 (1.44-39.48), P-value 0.017], genetic diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 28.39 (4.55-177.23), P-value <0.001], clinical dyspnea [adjusted OR (95%CI): 12.13 (5.94-24.77), P-value <0.001], tachypnea [adjusted OR (95%CI): 3.92 (1.79-8.55), P-value 0.001], and bilateral chest X-ray infiltrations [adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.99 (1.05-3.78), P-value 0.036] were factors associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Most children with COVID-19 pneumonia had indeterminate chest X-rays according to the previous classification. We suggest using chest X-rays in conjunction with clinical presentation to screen high-risk patients for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia.
ISSN:1932-6203