Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Diagnosis and management of post-COVID (Long COVID) in children: a moving target
Rosa Morello1, Laura Martino1, Danilo Buonsenso1,2
1Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS.
Insights
Post-COVID condition (PCC) affects 1-3% of children after SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting complex symptoms for at least three months. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Immunology
- Public health
Background:
- Post-COVID condition (PCC), or Long COVID, is a complex clinical issue in children following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- While no universal definition exists, PCC is characterized by persistent symptoms for over three months without alternative diagnoses.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent findings on pediatric PCC, covering epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, and management strategies.
- It examines current knowledge gaps and emerging evidence in the field.
Key Points:
- Available data suggest 1-3% of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection may develop PCC.
- The exact pathogenesis remains unclear, but potential factors include immune dysregulation, metabolic alterations, gut microbiome changes, and chronic endothelitis.
- Management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on diagnostics, research participation, and mental health support.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric PCC presents unique challenges requiring further research and standardized diagnostic criteria.
- A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective patient care and support.
Purpose Of Review:
This review describes recent findings about post-COVID condition (PCC, or Long COVID) in children, including current knowledge about its epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis and care.
Recent Findings:
There is no internationally agreed definition of PCC, although now most researchers agree that it is a complex clinical symptomatology persisting for at least 3 months after COVID-19, without an alternative diagnosis. There are several uncertainties about paediatric PCC. So far, available literature suggest that 1-3% of recognized children with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may develop PCC. Its pathogenesis is unknown, although there is increasing evidence about possible abnormalities in the immune responses, cellular metabolism and intestinal microbiota, along with chronic endothelitis.
Summary:
Management of PCC in children is complex and require a multidisciplinary approach, with the goal of offering the best care possible to support diagnostics, research, mental health and access to research projects.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Tonsillitis II: Management
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

