Postacute/Long COVID in Pediatrics: Development of a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Clinic and Preliminary Case Series. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morrow, Amanda K.; Ng, Rowena; Vargas, Gray; Jashar, Dasal Tenzin; Henning, Ellen; Stinson, Nika; Malone, Laura A.
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 100:Number 12(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Pediatric Rehabilitation -- Postacute COVID Syndrome -- Long COVID -- SARS-CoV-2; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: The long-term sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infections in children is unknown. Guidance is needed on helpful models of care for an emerging subset of pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID who continue to experience persistent symptoms after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Here, we describe a pediatric multidisciplinary post–COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic model as well as a case series of the initial cohort of patients who presented to this clinic. A consecutive sample of nine patients (pediatric patients <21 yrs of age) who presented to our clinic are included. The most common presenting symptoms were fatigue (8 of 9 patients), headaches (6 of 9), difficulty with schoolwork (6 of 8), "brain fog" (4 of 9), and dizziness/lightheadedness (4 of 9). Most patients had decreased scores on self-reported quality-of-life measures compared with healthy controls. In the patients who participated in neuropsychological testing, a subset demonstrated difficulties with sustained auditory attention and divided attention; however, most of these patients had preexisting attention and/or mood concerns. There were also some who self-reported elevated depression and anxiety symptoms. Pediatric patients with postacute/long COVID may present with a variety of physical, cognitive, and mood symptoms. We present a model of care to address these symptoms through a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach.