EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Research Article Volume 14 Issue 11 - 2025

Clinical Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study at the Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia

Lela Tsakadze1,2*, Ivane Chkhaidze1,2, Shota Tsanava3, Irakli Karseladze3 and Tamar Uguzashvili4

1Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia

2M. Iashvili Central Children's Hospital, Tbilisi, Georgia

3National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia

4Sabuko, Tbilisi, Georgia

*Corresponding Author: Lela Tsakadze, M. Iashvili Central Children's Hospital and Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Received: October 06, 2025; Published: October 27, 2025



Objective: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographic profile, and outcomes of pediatric patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection at M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital between March 2023 and March 2024.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted for the period from March 9, 2023, to March 2024. The study included patients aged 0-18 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or antigen testing. Data on demographics, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and outcomes were examined.

Results: The cohort included 168 patients (103 male, 65 female). Of these, 86 (53.7%) were under 1 year of age, and 51 (31.9%) were aged 1-3 years. Fever was the most common symptom (165 patients, 98%), followed by cough (129 cases, 77%) and rhinorrhea (75 cases, 41%). Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) were observed in 43 patients (26.9%). Comorbidities were present in 18 cases (11.3%) and were associated with a 44% increase in length of stay (LOS) (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.20-1.72, p < 0.001). Disease severity was linked to a 36% increase in LOS (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18-1.56, p < 0.001). Intensive care was required for 8 patients (5.0%), all of whom were neonates (0-30 days old).

Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients is primarily characterized by mild respiratory symptoms, with gastrointestinal manifestations occurring frequently. Infants under 1 year, especially neonates, represent a particularly vulnerable group requiring intensive care.

 Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Children; Georgia; Retrospective Study

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Lela Tsakadze., et al. “Clinical Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study at the Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia”. EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine  14.11 (2025): 01-14.

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