Comparison of Severe Viral Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses Among Malaysian Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Frontiers in pediatrics Vol. 10; p. 865099
• Main Authors: Ng, David Chun-Ern, Tan, Kah Kee, Ting, Grace Sieng Sing, Ling, Chin, Fadzilah, Nur Fadzreena Binti, Tan, Shir Fong, Subramaniam, Thayasheri, Zailanalhuddin, Nur Emylia Binti, Lim, Hui Yi, Baharuddin, Suhaila Binti, Lee, Yee Lean, Mohamad Nor, Airena, Khoo, Erwin Jiayuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 25-04-2022
• Subjects: children; COVID-19; Pediatrics; SARS-CoV-2; severe pneumonia; viral pneumonia; COVID-19; severe pneumonia; SARS-CoV-2; children; viral pneumonia
• ISSN: 2296-2360; 2296-2360
• DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.865099

We described the etiology of severe pneumonia in children during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia and compared the clinical features of severe SARS-CoV-2 to other respiratory viruses.
This retrospective study included all children aged 12 years and below hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between 1 April 2021 and 31 October 2021. We extracted demographic and clinical data and used logistic regression to examine risk factors associated with severe SARS-CoV-2 or other viral pneumonia.
A total of 111 children were included. The median age was 15 months. Human rhinovirus/enterovirus, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common etiology of severe pneumonia. Codetection of >1 viral pathogen was present in 14 (12.6%) patients. Children with severe COVID-19 presented early in the course of illness and had lower rates of pediatric intensive care admission. The presence of sick contact with an adult was a predictor for SARS-CoV-2, whereas adventitious breath sounds were predictive of other respiratory viruses.
The etiology of severe pneumonia in children evolved with the epidemic curve of COVID-19 and school closures. Children with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 experienced a milder clinical course when compared to other respiratory viruses.