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Long-COVID in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Sandra Lopez-Leon1,2, Talia Wegman-Ostrosky3, Norma Cipatli Ayuzo Del Valle4

  • 1Quantitative Safety & Epidemiology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA.

Scientific Reports
|June 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Long-COVID affects approximately 25% of children and adolescents, with mood symptoms, fatigue, and sleep disturbances being most common. This systematic review highlights the significant prevalence and diverse symptoms of long-COVID in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Long-COVID, defined by the National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE) as ongoing or post-COVID-19 symptoms lasting 4 to over 12 weeks, impacts children and adolescents.
  • Understanding the prevalence and symptom spectrum of long-COVID in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of long-COVID in children and adolescents (0-18 years).
  • To identify and summarize the full spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with long-COVID in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase for observational studies published before February 10th, 2022.
  • Studies included a minimum of 30 pediatric patients meeting NICE criteria for long-COVID.
  • Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using MetaXL software, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis included 21 studies with 80,071 children and adolescents.
  • The overall pooled prevalence of long-COVID was estimated at 25.24%.
  • Most common symptoms included mood symptoms (16.50%), fatigue (9.66%), and sleep disorders (8.42%). Children with SARS-CoV-2 infection showed increased risk for persistent dyspnea, anosmia/ageusia, and fever.

Conclusions:

  • Long-COVID is prevalent in approximately a quarter of children and adolescents, presenting with a range of symptoms, notably mood disturbances, fatigue, and sleep issues.
  • The identified heterogeneity and limitations in study definitions underscore the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and further research in pediatric long-COVID.

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