A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Findings of COVID-19 between Intensive Care Unit and Non-Intensive Care Unit Pediatric Patients: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study from Iranian Network for Research in Viral

Introduction: To date, little is known about the clinical features of pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).
 Objective: Herein, we aimed describe differences in demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, presentations, and outcomes Iranian ICU versus those non-ICU settings.
 Methods: This multicenter investigation involved 15 general pediatrics hospitals included cases with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection based on positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) these centers between March May 2020, during initial peak pandemic Iran.
 Results: Overall, 166 were included, 61 (36.7%) whom required admission. The highest number age group 1–5 years old. Malignancy heart diseases most frequent underlying conditions. Dyspnea was major symptom for ICU-admitted patients. There significant decreases PH, HCO3 base excess, as well increases creatinine, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium levels Acute distress (ARDS), shock, cardiac injury common among mortality rate substantially higher than (45.9% vs. 1.9%, respectively; p<0.001).
 Conclusions: Underlying risk factors increased admissions rates few paraclinical parameters that could differentiate terms prognosis serious COVID-19. Healthcare providers should consider children a high-risk group, especially medical