Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
Postacute/Long COVID in Pediatrics: Development of a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Clinic and Preliminary Case
Amanda K Morrow1, Rowena Ng, Gray Vargas
1From the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland (AKM, RN, GV, DTJ, EH, NS, LAM); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (AKM, LAM); Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (RN); and Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (LAM).
Insights
Pediatric long COVID patients often experience fatigue, headaches, and cognitive issues. A multidisciplinary clinic model shows promise in addressing these persistent post-SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (pediatric long COVID) remain largely unknown.
- There is a growing need for effective care models for pediatric patients experiencing persistent symptoms post-COVID-19.
- Understanding the sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric populations is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a pediatric multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic model.
- To present a case series of the initial cohort of patients managed at this clinic.
- To characterize the common symptoms and outcomes in pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive sample of nine pediatric patients (<21 years) presenting to a multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 clinic was analyzed.
- Data collected included presenting symptoms, quality-of-life measures, and neuropsychological testing results.
- Comparison with healthy controls and analysis of preexisting conditions were performed.
Main Results:
- The most frequent symptoms were fatigue (8/9), headaches (6/9), difficulty with schoolwork (6/8), brain fog (4/9), and dizziness (4/9).
- Most patients reported decreased quality-of-life scores compared to healthy controls.
- Neuropsychological testing revealed attention deficits in a subset, often associated with pre-existing attention or mood concerns; elevated depression and anxiety symptoms were also self-reported.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID exhibit diverse physical, cognitive, and mood symptoms.
- A multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach offers a structured model of care for this emerging patient group.
- This model aims to comprehensively address the multifaceted needs of children and adolescents with persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Abstract:
The long-term sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infections in children is unknown. Guidance is needed on helpful models of care for an emerging subset of pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID who continue to experience persistent symptoms after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Here, we describe a pediatric multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic model as well as a case series of the initial cohort of patients who presented to this clinic. A consecutive sample of nine patients (pediatric patients <21 yrs of age) who presented to our clinic are included. The most common presenting symptoms were fatigue (8 of 9 patients), headaches (6 of 9), difficulty with schoolwork (6 of 8), "brain fog" (4 of 9), and dizziness/lightheadedness (4 of 9). Most patients had decreased scores on self-reported quality-of-life measures compared with healthy controls. In the patients who participated in neuropsychological testing, a subset demonstrated difficulties with sustained auditory attention and divided attention; however, most of these patients had preexisting attention and/or mood concerns. There were also some who self-reported elevated depression and anxiety symptoms. Pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID may present with a variety of physical, cognitive, and mood symptoms. We present a model of care to address these symptoms through a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:19Restorative Care
01:17Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...