Diagnosis and management of post-COVID (Long COVID) in children: a moving target

Curr Opin Pediatr. 2023 Apr 1;35(2):184-192. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001221. Epub 2023 Jan 23.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review describes recent findings about post-COVID condition (PCC, or Long COVID) in children, including current knowledge about its epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis and care.

Recent findings: There is no internationally agreed definition of PCC, although now most researchers agree that it is a complex clinical symptomatology persisting for at least 3 months after COVID-19, without an alternative diagnosis. There are several uncertainties about paediatric PCC. So far, available literature suggest that 1-3% of recognized children with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may develop PCC. Its pathogenesis is unknown, although there is increasing evidence about possible abnormalities in the immune responses, cellular metabolism and intestinal microbiota, along with chronic endothelitis.

Summary: Management of PCC in children is complex and require a multidisciplinary approach, with the goal of offering the best care possible to support diagnostics, research, mental health and access to research projects.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  • SARS-CoV-2