Long-Term Effect Of COVID-19 on Children's Lung Function: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pediatric lung function remain an area of active investigation.
• Understanding post-COVID-19 respiratory sequelae in children is crucial for guiding clinical management and follow-up strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term impact of COVID-19 on pulmonary function in children.
• To identify clinical, radiological, and laboratory predictors of persistent lung function abnormalities after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study involving 270 children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including spirometry and DLCO, were performed at 3 and 6 months post-infection.
• Analysis correlated acute infection period (AIP) findings with long-term PFT parameters.

Main Results:

• Overall mean PFT parameters were normal at 3 and 6 months, but significant longitudinal changes were observed in FEV1%, FVC%, and DLCOadj%.
• Children with COVID-19 pneumonia showed abnormal DLCOadj at 6 months compared to those without pneumonia (p=0.046).
• Comorbidities and abnormal respiratory physical examination findings during AIP were independently associated with abnormal FEV1 and FVC at 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Most children exhibit preserved lung function after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Children with COVID-19 pneumonia, comorbidities, or specific AIP findings are at higher risk for persistent functional abnormalities.
• Follow-up PFTs, including spirometry and potentially DLCO, are recommended for higher-risk pediatric patients.