Chest X-ray findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in children: Experiences in a multicenter study in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-09-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19326203
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85205419191
Journal Title
PLoS ONE
Volume
19
Issue
9
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
PLoS ONE Vol.19 No.9 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Kulbun A., Tovichien P., Chaiyakulsil C., Satdhabudha A., Kamalaporn H., Sunkonkit K., Uppala R., Niyomkarn W., Norasettekul V., Ruangnapa K., Smathakanee C., Choursamran B., Jaroenying R., Sriboonyong T., Sitthikarnkha P., Roekworachai K., Ratanavongkosol T., Thongnual C., Deerojanawong J. Chest X-ray findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in children: Experiences in a multicenter study in Thailand. PLoS ONE Vol.19 No.9 (2024). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0309110 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101535
Title
Chest X-ray findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in children: Experiences in a multicenter study in Thailand
Author's Affiliation
Ramathibodi Hospital
Siriraj Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Nakornping Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Thammasat University
Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
Sawanpracharak Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Hat Yai Hospital
Siriraj Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Nakornping Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Thammasat University
Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
Sawanpracharak Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Hat Yai Hospital
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.