Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cardiovascular Disease in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The 2019 global coronavirus pandemic is triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome due to corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This infection can cause myocardial damage, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, and venous thromboembolism. Objectives: The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the cardiac manifestations observed in children who have been admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: The current prospective cross-sectional study included patients from Minia University Hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) isolation unit from April 2022 to April 2023. The study comprised 80 patients divided into two groups: Group I included 46 Corona Virus Induced Disease (COVID-19)-positive patients with cardiac complications. Group II consisted of 34 patients with COVID-19 infection but without cardiac complications. Results: The frequency of cardiac complications was 41.3% (33 children) with arrhythmias and 9% (3 children) with SVT by electrocardiography (ECG), whereas 31.3% of children had myocardial dysfunction (EF < 50%, FS < 25%) on echocardiography (ECHO). In comparison, 7.5% had bundle branch block (BBB). Conversely, 1.3% had pancarditis, and 3.8% had first-degree A-V block. Conclusions: More data is needed on COVID-19's cardiovascular effects on children. We found that acute COVID-19 hospitalized children should have cardiac exams and cardiovascular monitoring. COVID-19 infection in children often impairs systolic function, and arrhythmia may arise in COVID-19 individuals.