Diagnosis and management of post-COVID (Long COVID) in children: a moving target. Issue 2 (23rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morello, Rosa; Martino, Laura; Buonsenso, Danilo
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in pediatrics. Volume 35:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 184
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2023-04-23
• Subjects: children -- Long coronavirus disease -- postcoronavirus disease condition -- SARS-CoV-2; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals -- Bibliography -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8703

Abstract

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.