COVID-19, A perspective from the endocrinological point of view

Abstract

In late December, 2019, WHO was notified of an unusual cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. The disease, later termed COVID-19, spread quickly beyond the borders of China, with the first cases in Europe being recorded on Jan 25, 2020. Subsequent investigations identified a novel beta-coronavirus now designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, there are no antiviral treatment options with proven efficacy, but several randomised controlled trials are investigating agents such as hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir–ritonavir, favipiravir, and remdesivir. To date, data on COVID-19 in children and adolescents remain scarce, despite the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now exceeding 16 million globally. Also, existing papers from China contain very few clinical data on children, and most lack details regarding supportive measures required by children with COVID-19. Similarly, recent epidemiological reports from Europe and North America contain little clinically relevant information. Determining the level of support required by children is essential for paediatric service planning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.