Worldwide epidemiology of neuro-coronavirus disease in children: lessons for the next pandemic. Issue 6 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alcamo, Alicia M.; McGuire, Jennifer L.; Kanthimathinathan, Hari Krishnan; Roa, Juan David; Fink, Ericka L.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in pediatrics. Volume 33:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: coronavirus disease 2019 -- epidemiology -- multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children -- pediatric -- severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals -- Bibliography -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8703

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has overwhelmed the global community, negatively impacting patient health and research efforts; associated neurological manifestations are a significant cause of morbidity. This review outlines the worldwide epidemiology of neurologic manifestations of different SARS-CoV-2 clinical pediatric phenotypes, including acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We discuss strategies to develop adaptive global research platforms for future investigation into emerging pediatric neurologic conditions. Recent findings: Multicenter, multinational studies show that neurological manifestations of acute COVID-19, such as smell/taste disorders, headache, and stroke, are common in hospitalized adults (82%) and children (22%), associated with increased mortality in adults. Neurological manifestations of MIS-C are reported in up to 20% of children, including headache, irritability, and encephalopathy. Data on PASC are emerging and include fatigue, cognitive changes, and headache. Reports of neurological manifestations in each phenotype are limited by lack of pediatric-informed case definitions, common data elements, and resources. Summary: Coordinated, well resourced, multinational investigation into SARS-CoV-2-related neurological manifestations in children is critical to rapid identification of global and region-specific risk factors, and developing treatment and mitigation strategies for the current pandemic and future health neurologic emergencies.