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Standardized Approach to Pediatric Post-COVID Syndrome and Its Impact on Children and Adolescents: A Perspective From
Shadya Nzale1, Anne Perrin2, Cindy Soroken1,2
1From the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneve.
Insights
Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) significantly impacts children, causing fatigue and school absenteeism. Management requires integrated medical, social, and educational support to address its burden.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) is a growing concern affecting a significant number of children.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and impact of pPCS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical manifestations of pPCS in children.
- To evaluate the biopsychosocial impact, including school absenteeism and quality of life.
- To outline current management strategies for pPCS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-center study analyzed data from pPCS patients (May 2021-November 2022).
- Functional impact was assessed using school absenteeism records and validated scales (ADRS, PedsQL, Fatigue Severity Scale).
- The Schellong test was used to evaluate orthostatic intolerance.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms include extreme fatigue (84%), exertion intolerance (82%), orthostatism (66%), dyspnea (66%), and headache (66%).
- Sixty percent experienced school absenteeism; specialized consultations included child psychiatry (48%) and pulmonology (46%).
- A subset (20%) presented with functional disorder symptoms, showing increased thoracic pain, specific referrals, and worse psychosocial scores.
Conclusions:
- pPCS imposes a substantial socio-educational burden on affected children.
- Integrated medical, social, and educational care approaches are essential for managing pPCS.
- Recognizing distinct pPCS presentations, including functional disorders, is vital for tailored interventions.
Background:
Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) affects a notable number of children. This study aims to describe its clinical manifestations, biopsychosocial impact and management strategies.
Methods:
A prospective, single-center study was conducted to analyze data of pPCS patients presenting to our institution between May 2021 and November 2022. Functional impact was evaluated by assessing school absenteeism and by using the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Fatigue Severity Scale.
Results:
Among the 50 patients included [median age (interquartile range): 14.0 (12.9-15.8) years; females: 70%], the most common symptoms were extreme fatigue (84%), exertion intolerance (82%), orthostatism (66%), dyspnea (66%) and headache (66%); 25% had an abnormal Schellong test. Median (interquartile range) ADRS, PedsQL and Fatigue Severity Scale scores were 3.0 (1.0-5.0), 56% (49%-71%) and 45.0 (32.0-53.0), respectively. Sixty percent experienced partial (34%) or complete (26%) school absenteeism. The most common referrals to specialized consultations were child psychiatry (48%), pulmonology (46%), physiotherapy (36%) and an ear-nose-throat specialist (24%). Eighty percent had a typical form of pPCS, whereas 20% had a clinical presentation suggestive of a functional disorder triggered by COVID-19. The latter had more frequent thoracic pain ( P = 0.012) and more referrals to pediatric neurology ( P = 0.01), gastroenterology ( P = 0.011), ophthalmology ( P = 0.037) and child psychiatry ( P = 0.035), but less to pulmonology ( P = 0.014). School absenteeism and social withdrawal were also more common in this group, with more severe PedsQL and ADRS scores.
Conclusion:
pPCS is associated with a significant socio-educational burden that should be taken into account in medical, social and educational care.
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