Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies

Long coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, has been defined as signs and symptoms which persist for 4 weeks or even lasting for 6 months after the initial infection. Although the prevalence of long COVID in childre...

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Main Authors: Eun Kyo Ha, Ju Hee Kim, Man Yong Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Korean Pediatric Society 2023-11-01
Series:Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.e-cep.org/upload/pdf/cep-2023-00472.pdf
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author Eun Kyo Ha
Ju Hee Kim
Man Yong Han
author_facet Eun Kyo Ha
Ju Hee Kim
Man Yong Han
author_sort Eun Kyo Ha
collection DOAJ
description Long coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, has been defined as signs and symptoms which persist for 4 weeks or even lasting for 6 months after the initial infection. Although the prevalence of long COVID in children is currently unknown, epidemiological investigations have reported cases in pediatric populations. Clinical manifestations of long COVID in children include respiratory symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, as well as neuropsychiatric and general conditions, including fatigue, headache, and muscle weakness. The pathophysiology of long COVID in children is still being investigated, but potential mechanisms include viral persistence, autoimmunity, and neuroinflammation. Risk factors for long COVID in children are not yet well understood, but studies have suggested that children with a history of severe acute COVID-19 infection or comorbidities may be at increased risk. Evaluation for respiratory symptoms of long COVID in children is essential, including spirometry and imaging studies to assess lung function and any potential damage. Furthermore, long COVID in children has been associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems than in adults, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing these aspects in pediatric patients. Although our understanding of long COVID in children and adolescents is still evolving, it is clear that the condition can have significant impacts on their health and well-being. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of long COVID in children and adolescents, and to discuss potential management strategies based on existing evidence.
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spelling doaj.art-e1c4a9158c384a459eb2cf0544bfbb072023-11-06T04:38:05ZengThe Korean Pediatric SocietyClinical and Experimental Pediatrics2713-41482023-11-01661146547410.3345/cep.2023.0047220125555641Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategiesEun Kyo Ha0Ju Hee Kim1Man Yong Han2 Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, KoreaLong coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, has been defined as signs and symptoms which persist for 4 weeks or even lasting for 6 months after the initial infection. Although the prevalence of long COVID in children is currently unknown, epidemiological investigations have reported cases in pediatric populations. Clinical manifestations of long COVID in children include respiratory symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, as well as neuropsychiatric and general conditions, including fatigue, headache, and muscle weakness. The pathophysiology of long COVID in children is still being investigated, but potential mechanisms include viral persistence, autoimmunity, and neuroinflammation. Risk factors for long COVID in children are not yet well understood, but studies have suggested that children with a history of severe acute COVID-19 infection or comorbidities may be at increased risk. Evaluation for respiratory symptoms of long COVID in children is essential, including spirometry and imaging studies to assess lung function and any potential damage. Furthermore, long COVID in children has been associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems than in adults, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing these aspects in pediatric patients. Although our understanding of long COVID in children and adolescents is still evolving, it is clear that the condition can have significant impacts on their health and well-being. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of long COVID in children and adolescents, and to discuss potential management strategies based on existing evidence.http://www.e-cep.org/upload/pdf/cep-2023-00472.pdfcovid-19long covidpost covid syndrome
spellingShingle Eun Kyo Ha
Ju Hee Kim
Man Yong Han
Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
covid-19
long covid
post covid syndrome
title Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
title_full Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
title_fullStr Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
title_full_unstemmed Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
title_short Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies
title_sort long covid in children and adolescents prevalence clinical manifestations and management strategies
topic covid-19
long covid
post covid syndrome
url http://www.e-cep.org/upload/pdf/cep-2023-00472.pdf
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