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Post-COVID-19 condition in children: epidemiological evidence stratified by acute disease severity
Coen R Lap1,2,3, Caroline L H Brackel4,5, Angelique M A M Winkel6,4
1Department of Pediatrics - Van Houten research group, Spaarne Gasthuis, Hoofddorp and Haarlem, Haarlem, The Netherlands. c.r.lap@amsterdamumc.nl.
Insights
Children with severe COVID-19 have a higher risk of developing pediatric Post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC). This condition
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Longitudinal cohort studies
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Pediatric Post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC) prevalence and risk factors require further investigation.
- Understanding quality of life impacts in children with varying COVID-19 severities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine PPCC prevalence in children based on acute COVID-19 severity.
- Identify risk factors associated with PPCC development.
- Assess the impact of PPCC on children's quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study with 1-year follow-up.
- Comparison of non-hospitalized (mild COVID-19), hospitalized (severe COVID-19), and SARS-CoV-2 negative control groups.
- Assessment of PPCC prevalence and quality of life indicators.
Main Results:
- PPCC prevalence was significantly higher in severe COVID-19 cases (29.2%) compared to mild cases (14.6%) and controls (2.3%) at three months.
- PPCC prevalence decreased over one year in the mild COVID-19 group.
- Children with PPCC reported lower physical health-related quality of life and higher fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Severe acute COVID-19 in children is a significant risk factor for developing PPCC.
- Prior medical history, hospital admission, and persistent fatigue are key risk factors for PPCC.
- PPCC prevalence diminishes over time, but impacts quality of life.
Background:
To determine the prevalence of pediatric Post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC), identify risk factors, and assess the quality of life in children with differing severities of acute COVID-19.
Methods:
During a prospective longitudinal study with a 1-year follow-up, we compared non-hospitalized (mild) and hospitalized (severe) COVID-19 cases to a negatively tested control group.
Results:
579 children were included in this study. Of these, 260 had mild acute disease (median age:8, IQR:6-10), 60 had severe acute disease (median age:1, IQR:0.1-4.0), and 259 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 (NT) (median age:8, IQR:5-10). At three months, 14.6% of the SARS-CoV-2 positive mild group (RR:6.31 (CI 95%: 2.71-14.67)) and 29.2% of the severe group (RR:12.95 (CI 95%: 5.37-31.23)) reported sequelae, versus 2.3% of the NT group. PPCC prevalence in the mild group decreased from 16.1% at one month to 4.4% at one year. Children with PPCC exhibited lower physical health-related quality of life scores and higher fatigue scores than the NT children.
Conclusions:
Severe acute COVID-19 in children leads to a higher PPCC prevalence than in mild cases. PPCC prevalence decreases over time. Risk factors at three months include prior medical history, hospital admission, and persistent fatigue one month after a positive test.
Impact:
We demonstrate children with severe COVID-19 are more likely to develop Post-COVID-19 condition than those with mild or no infections, and highlights the risk factors. Here we have stratified by acute disease severity, prospectively included a negative control group, and have demonstrated the heterogeneity in prevalence when utilizing various recent definitions of post-COVID. Identifying risk factors for pediatric post-COVID and highlighting the heterogeneity in prevalence based on various current definitions for post-COVID should aid in correctly identifying potential pediatric post-COVID cases, aiding in early intervention.
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