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Published on: March 21, 2013
Orthostatic Intolerance in Children With Long COVID Utilizing a 10-Minute Passive Standing Test
Amanda K Morrow1,2, Cindy Villatoro2, Christina Kokorelis1,2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Insights
Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is common in children with long COVID, affecting over 70% of those studied. Early screening and treatment for OI are crucial for pediatric long COVID patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Cardiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Long COVID presents diverse symptoms in children, with orthostatic intolerance (OI) increasingly recognized.
- OI can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of OI in children diagnosed with long COVID.
- To identify specific types of orthostatic conditions present in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 92 children with long COVID was evaluated.
- A bedside passive standing test was administered in a specialized pediatric post-COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic.
- Diagnostic criteria for various orthostatic conditions were applied.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of OI was observed, with 71% of participants meeting criteria for an orthostatic condition.
- Identified conditions included postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic tachycardia (OT), classic orthostatic hypotension (OH), delayed OH, and orthostatic hypertension.
- OI significantly impacts pediatric long COVID patients.
Conclusions:
- Orthostatic intolerance is a frequent complication of pediatric long COVID.
- Routine clinical screening for OI is recommended for children with long COVID.
- Timely management strategies are essential for improving outcomes in affected children.
Abstract:
Despite there being a wide variety of symptoms reported in pediatric long COVID, one condition that has become increasingly recognized is orthostatic intolerance (OI), which can cause significant morbidity, limiting activities of daily living. This study examines rates of OI in 92 children with long COVID who underwent a bedside passive standing test in a pediatric post-COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic. Seventy-one percent met criteria for an orthostatic condition, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), orthostatic tachycardia (OT), classic orthostatic hypotension (OH), delayed OH, and orthostatic hypertension. Our findings suggest that OI is common in pediatric long COVID, necessitating appropriate clinical screening and treatment.
