Gastrointestinal manifestations in pediatric patients with COVID-19 in a hospital in Portoviejo

Abstract

The COVID-19 infection predominantly affects adults, and its main symptoms are respiratory. However, variants have emerged where severe cases have been reported in children with unusual clinical presentations. The present study aimed to determine the characteristics of pediatric patients with gastrointestinal manifestations and COVID-19 in a hospital in Portoviejo. It was an observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, qualitative-quantitative study involving 158 patients. Among the results, it was observed that the predominant sociodemographic characteristics were male gender, age between 1 and 4 years, and urban origin. The most impactful gastrointestinal manifestations were abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and transaminase levels. There was a direct association between the length of hospital stay and manifestations such as anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, transaminase alterations, and hepatomegaly. Malnutrition showed a direct association with hospitalization days and severe dehydration. It is concluded that although abdominal pain was the most frequently found symptom, it was not associated with the severity of the children, but it was associated with comorbidities and complications. Health professionals and healthcare institutions at all levels are recommended to continue with promotion and prevention strategies against COVID-19.