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Factors Associated with Long COVID in the Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Ioana Maria Otilia Lică1,2, Iulia Florentina Țincu1,2, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu1,3
1Pediatric Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania.
Clinics and Practice
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Long COVID in children presents with distinct clinicobiological features, including older age and altered blood counts. Identifying these predictors aids in understanding and managing pediatric Long COVID.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection) in children is a growing concern.
- Clinical predictors and biological markers for pediatric Long COVID are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical, demographic, and laboratory data between children with and without Long COVID.
- To identify variables associated with the development of Long COVID in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational case-control study.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Definition of Long COVID as symptoms persisting ≥12 weeks post-infection.
Main Results:
- Children with Long COVID were older and more likely from urban areas.
- Lower lymphocyte, monocyte, and basophil counts were observed in the Long COVID group.
- Elevated D-dimer, ferritin, serum iron, urea, and creatinine levels were found in children with Long COVID.
Conclusions:
- Long COVID in children is linked to specific clinicobiological characteristics.
- A multivariate predictive model showed high accuracy (AUC=0.94) but requires external validation.
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