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Wesley UV, Dempsey RJ. Neuro-molecular perspectives on long COVID-19 impacted cerebrovascular diseases - a role for dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Exp Neurol 2024; 380:114890. [PMID: 39038507 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused immense devastation globally with many outcomes that are now extending to its long-term sequel called long COVID. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects not only lungs, but also the brain and heart in association with endothelial cell dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities, and thrombosis leading to cardio-cerebrovascular health issues. Fatigue, cognitive decline, and brain fog are common neurological symptoms in persisting long COVID. Neurodegenerative processes and SARS-CoV-2 infection manifest overlapping molecular mechanisms, such as cytokine dysregulation, inflammation, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Identifying the key molecules in these processes is of importance for prevention and treatment of this disease. In particular, Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), a multifunctional peptidase has recently drawn attention as a potential co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and cellular entry. DPPIV is a known co-receptor for some other COVID viruses including MERS-Co-V. DPPIV regulates the immune responses, obesity, glucose metabolism, diabetes, and hypertension that are associated with cerebrovascular manifestations including stroke. DPPIV likely worsens persisting COVID-19 by disrupting inflammatory signaling pathways and the neurovascular system. This review highlights the neurological, cellular and molecular processes concerning long COVID, and DPPIV as a potential key factor contributing to cerebrovascular dysfunctions following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umadevi V Wesley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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Kim M, Choi Y, Kim SY, Cho A, Kim H, Chae JH, Kim KJ, Park D, Kwon YS, Kim MJ, Yum MS, Kong JH, Lee YJ, Lim BC. Severe Neurological Manifestation Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children During the Omicron Variant-Predominant Period. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 156:17-25. [PMID: 38692086 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to be more infectious and less severe than the other variants. Despite the increasing number of symptomatic patients, severe neurological complications in children with the Omicron variant have been reported rarely, unlike with wild-type or Delta variants. This study aimed to investigate severe neurological complications in children with Omicron variant infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 17 pediatric patients with severe neurological manifestations associated with coronavirus disease 2019 in Korea during the Omicron variant prevalence, from January 1 to April 30, 2022. RESULTS Among the 17 patients, 11 had pre-existing neurological disabilities and nine met the criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Four of the five vaccine-eligible patients (12 years and older) were unvaccinated. Severe neurological manifestations included acute necrotizing encephalopathy, acute fulminant cerebral edema, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, basal ganglia encephalitis, unclassified severe encephalopathy/encephalitis, and refractory status dystonicus. Patients with MIS-C and underlying neurological disabilities had longer median hospital and intensive care unit stays compared with those without these conditions. Five patients survived with new neurological deficits at the one-year follow-up, and three died, all of whom had underlying neurological disabilities. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that severe neurological complications in pediatric patients with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 occur infrequently but may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, especially among those with pre-existing neurological disabilities and unvaccinated individuals. Continued efforts are necessary to prevent and manage such complications in these vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhye Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Younghun Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anna Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hunmin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hee Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Joong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dasom Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Se Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Min-Jee Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yum
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Busan, Korea
| | - Yoon Jin Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Busan, Korea
| | - Byung Chan Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Jurkowicz M, Leibovitz E, Ben-Zeev B, Keller N, Kriger O, Sherman G, Amit S, Barkai G, Mandelboim M, Stein M. A Systematic Review and Clinical Presentation of Central Nervous System Complications of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Israel. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 153:68-76. [PMID: 38335916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease-associated central nervous system complications (CNS-C) in hospitalized children, especially during the Omicron wave, and in comparison with influenza associated CNS-C, are not well understood. METHODS The study population included 755 children aged <18 years hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at Sheba Medical Center, during March 2020 to July 2022. A comparative cohort consisted of 314 pediatric patients with influenza during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 influenza seasons. RESULTS Overall, 5.8% (n = 44) of patients exhibited CNS-C. Seizures at presentation occurred in 33 patients with COVID-19 (4.4%), with 2.6% (n = 20) experiencing nonfebrile seizures, 1.1% (n = 8) febrile seizures, and 0.7% (n = 5) status epilepticus. More patients with CNS-C experienced seizures during the Omicron wave versus the pre-Omicron period (77.8% vs 41.2%, P = 0.03). Fewer patients were admitted to the intensive care unit in the Omicron wave (7.4%) versus prior waves (7.4% vs 41.2%, P = 0.02). Fewer patients with SARS-CoV-2 experienced CNS-C (5.8%) versus patients with influenza (9.9%), P = 0.03. More patients with SARS-CoV-2 experienced nonfebrile seizures (2.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.06), whereas more patients with influenza experienced febrile seizures (7.3% vs 1.1%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The Omicron wave was characterized by more seizures and fewer intensive-care-unit admissions than previous waves. Pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 experienced fewer CNS-C and more nonfebrile seizures compared with patients with influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menucha Jurkowicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eugene Leibovitz
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Bruria Ben-Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Or Kriger
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gilad Sherman
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharon Amit
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Galia Barkai
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Mandelboim
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Stein
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Alves de Araujo Junior D, Motta F, Fernandes GM, Castro MECD, Sasaki LMP, Luna LP, Rodrigues TS, Kurizky PS, Soares AADSM, Nobrega ODT, Espindola LS, Zaconeta AM, Gomes CM, Martins-Filho OA, de Albuquerque CP, da Mota LMH. Neuroimaging assessment of pediatric cerebral changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1194114. [PMID: 37292371 PMCID: PMC10244818 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1194114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 infection and perinatal neurologic outcomes are still not fully understood. However, there is recent evidence of white matter disease and impaired neurodevelopment in newborns following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. These appear to occur as a consequence of both direct viral effects and a systemic inflammatory response, with glial cell/myelin involvement and regional hypoxia/microvascular dysfunction. We sought to characterize the consequences of maternal and fetal inflammatory states in the central nervous system of newborns following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We conducted a longitudinal prospective cohort study from June 2020 to December 2021, with follow-up of newborns born to mothers exposed or not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Brain analysis included data from cranial ultrasound scans (CUS) with grayscale, Doppler studies (color and spectral), and ultrasound-based brain elastography (shear-wave mode) in specific regions of interest (ROIs): deep white matter, superficial white matter, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and cortical gray matter. Brain elastography was used to estimate brain parenchymal stiffness, which is an indirect quantifier of cerebral myelin tissue content. Results A total of 219 single-pregnancy children were enrolled, including 201 born to mothers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and 18 from unexposed controls. A neuroimaging evaluation was performed at 6 months of adjusted chronological age and revealed 18 grayscale and 21 Doppler abnormalities. Predominant findings were hyperechogenicity of deep brain white matter and basal ganglia (caudate nuclei/thalamus) and a reduction in the resistance and pulsatility indices of intracranial arterial flow. The anterior brain circulation (middle cerebral and pericallosal arteries) displayed a wider range of flow variation than the posterior circulation (basilar artery). Shear-wave US elastography analysis showed a reduction in stiffness values in the SARS-CoV-2 exposed group in all analyzed regions of interest, especially in the deep white matter elasticity coefficients (3.98 ± 0.62) compared to the control group (7.76 ± 0.77); p-value < 0.001. Conclusion This study further characterizes pediatric structural encephalic changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. The maternal infection has been shown to be related to cerebral deep white matter predominant involvement, with regional hyperechogenicity and reduction of elasticity coefficients, suggesting zonal impairment of myelin content. Morphologic findings may be subtle, and functional studies such as Doppler and elastography may be valuable tools to more accurately identify infants at risk of neurologic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alves de Araujo Junior
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Felipe Motta
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Magela Fernandes
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Canellas De Castro
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Lizandra Moura Paravidine Sasaki
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Licia Pacheco Luna
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Patricia Shu Kurizky
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ciro Martins Gomes
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Cleandro Pires de Albuquerque
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Licia Maria Henrique da Mota
- Department of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Hospital Universitario de Brasília (HUB), Brasilia, Brazil
- Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Carpenter KC, Yang J, Xu JJ. Animal Models for the Study of Neurologic Manifestations Of COVID-19. Comp Med 2023; 73:91-103. [PMID: 36744556 PMCID: PMC9948905 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-22-000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, has infected an estimated 525 million people with over 6 million deaths. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, an escalating number of neurologic symptoms have been reported in humans. Some neurologic symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste, are mild. However, other symptoms, such as meningoencephalitis or stroke, are potentially fatal. Along with surveys and postmortem evaluations on humans, scientists worked with several animal species to try to elucidate the causes of neurologic symptoms. Neurologic sequelae remain challenging to study due to the complexity of the nervous system and difficulties in identification and quantification of neurologic signs. We reviewed animal models used in the study of neurologic COVID-19, specifically research in mice, hamsters, ferrets, and nonhuman primates. We summarized findings on the presence and pathologic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system. Given the need to increase understanding of COVID-19 and its effects on the nervous system, scientists must strive to obtain new information from animals to reduce mortality and morbidity with neurologic complications in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Carpenter
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan;,
| | - Jibing Yang
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jiajie J Xu
- Division of Animal Resources, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
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6
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Coronavirus Infection in Neonates: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18 Months of Age. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2023; 2023:6140085. [PMID: 36632169 PMCID: PMC9829449 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6140085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Although most neonates with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection experience only mild disease, its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to assess the 18-month neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants who had SARS-CoV-2 infection as neonates. Methods The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of neonates diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection from June 2020 to December 2020 through nasopharyngeal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 58 neonates were identified from the Kuwait National COVID-19 Registry and enrolled. Historical controls were selected from the neonatal follow-up registry and matched in a 2 : 1 ratio based on sex and gestational age. When the subjects were 18 months of age, their neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed by two trained assessors using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition (BSID-III). Results Forty children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the final analysis. The median age at infection was 18 days (range: 10-26 days). Eighteen (45%) patients were asymptomatic, 15 (37.5%) had a sepsis-like presentation, 5 (12.5%) exhibited respiratory distress, and 2 (5%) had a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)-like presentation. At the 18 months follow-up, only one child showed a severe developmental delay and one child had a language delay. BSID-III outcomes did not differ significantly between the SARS-CoV-2-infected and control groups. Conclusions There was no difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with controls, although longer neurodevelopmental follow-up studies are required.
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7
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Abstract
Neurologic manifestations of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease in children are varied. We present the case of a 9-month-old child with bulging anterior fontanelle caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
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Casabianca M, Caula C, Titomanlio L, Lenglart L. Neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the pediatric population. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1123348. [PMID: 36865695 PMCID: PMC9973732 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1123348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 in the pediatric population is mostly asymptomatic. However, 1 out of 5 children presents non-specific neurologic symptoms such as headache, weakness, or myalgia. Furthermore, rarer forms of neurological diseases are increasingly being described in association to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Encephalitis, stroke, cranial nerves impairment, Guillain-Barré syndrome or acute transverse myelitis have been reported and account for around 1% of pediatric COVID-19 cases. Some of these pathologies may occur during or after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pathophysiological mechanisms range from direct invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by SARS-CoV-2 itself to postinfectious immune-mediated CNS inflammation. In most cases, patients presenting neurological pathologies related to SARS-CoV-2 infection are at greater risk of life-threatening complications and should be closely monitored. Further studies are needed to acknowledge the potential long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Casabianca
- Pediatric Emergency Department, APHP - Hopital Robert Debré, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Caula
- Pediatric Emergency Department, APHP - Hopital Robert Debré, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Luigi Titomanlio
- Pediatric Emergency Department, APHP - Hopital Robert Debré, Paris Cité University, Paris, France.,Pediatric Migraine and Neurovascular Diseases Unit, APHP - Hopital Robert Debré, Paris Cité University, Paris, France.,DHU Protect, INSERM U1141, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Léa Lenglart
- Pediatric Emergency Department, APHP - Hopital Robert Debré, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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Antoon JW, Hall M, Howard LM, Herndon A, Freundlich KL, Grijalva CG, Williams DJ. COVID-19 and Acute Neurologic Complications in Children. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022058167. [PMID: 35949041 PMCID: PMC9633383 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the epidemiology and outcomes of neurologic complications associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of children 2 months to <18 years of age with COVID-19 discharged from 52 children's hospitals from March 2020 to March 2022. Neurologic complications were defined as encephalopathy, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, febrile seizure, nonfebrile seizure, brain abscess and bacterial meningitis, Reye's syndrome, and cerebral infarction. We assessed length of stay (LOS), ICU admission, 30 day readmissions, deaths, and hospital costs. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with neurologic complications. RESULTS Of 15 137 children hospitalized with COVID-19, 1060 (7.0%) had a concurrent diagnosis of a neurologic complication. The most frequent neurologic complications were febrile seizures (3.9%), nonfebrile seizures (2.3%), and encephalopathy (2.2%). Hospital LOS, ICU admission, ICU LOS, 30 day readmissions, deaths, and hospital costs were higher in children with neurologic complications compared with those without complications. Factors associated with lower odds of neurologic complications included: younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-0.98), occurrence during delta variant predominant time period (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.57-0.87), presence of a nonneurologic complex chronic condition (aOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69-0.94). The presence of a neurologic complex chronic condition was associated with higher odds of neurologic complication (aOR 4.14, 95% CI 3.48-4.92). CONCLUSIONS Neurologic complications are common in children hospitalized with COVID-19 and are associated with worse hospital outcomes. Our findings emphasize the importance of COVID-19 immunization in children, especially in high-risk populations, such as those with neurologic comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Antoon
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Leigh M Howard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Alison Herndon
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Katherine L Freundlich
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Carlos G Grijalva
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Derek J Williams
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
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10
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Zhang M, Zhang P, Liang Y, Du B, Li L, Yu Z, Wang H, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhang W. A systematic review of current status and challenges of vaccinating children against SARS-CoV-2. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1212-1224. [PMID: 36257126 PMCID: PMC9557115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has inflicted immense damage to countries, economies and societies worldwide. Authorized COVID-19 vaccines based on different platforms have been widely inoculated in adults, showing up to 100% immunogenicity with significant efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections and the occurrence of severe COVID-19. It has also greatly slowed the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, as shown in clinical trials and real-world evidence. However, the total dosage of COVID-19 vaccines for children is much smaller than that for adults due to limitations from parental concern of vaccine safety, presenting a potential obstacle in ending the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 not only increases the risk of severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children, but also negatively affects children's psychology and academics, indirectly hindering the maintenance and progress of normal social order. Therefore, this article examines the clinical manifestations of children infected with SARS-CoV-2, the status of vaccination against COVID-19 in children, vaccination-related adverse events, and the unique immune mechanisms of children. In particular, the necessity and challenges of vaccinating children against SARS-CoV-2 were highlighted from the perspectives of society and family. In summary, parental hesitancy is unnecessary as adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination have been proven to be infrequent, comprise of mild symptoms, and have a good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Pin Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Bang Du
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Zhidan Yu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Huanmin Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Qionglin Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China.
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China.
| | - Wancun Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China.
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11
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Crowder F, Ebbert M, Neeley B, Mains N, McGuire S. Acute COVID-19 Presenting as Neurological Disease in a Pediatric Patient. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2022; 62:372-375. [PMID: 36171714 PMCID: PMC10102818 DOI: 10.1177/00099228221124667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Ebbert
- Department of Neurology, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Brandon Neeley
- Department of Neurology, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nicholas Mains
- Department of Pediatrics, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sara McGuire
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
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12
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COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness against Omicron Variant among Underage Subjects: The Veneto Region's Experience. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081362. [PMID: 36016248 PMCID: PMC9413750 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Even if most of the complications due to COVID-19 are observed in the elderly, in Italy the impact of COVID-19 among young people has not been negligible. Furthermore, their contribution to SARS-CoV-2 circulation is still unclear. These reasons have driven policy makers to involve subjects aged 5 to 17 years in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. However, the trade-off of vaccinating this age-group should be further investigated, especially in view of the rise of new immunologically evasive variants of concern (VOCs). We used regional databases to retrospectively estimate vaccine effectiveness over time of each approved vaccination schedule among children (5–11) and adolescents (12–17). Our findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccines were highly effective and their protection levels lasted longer during a period of Delta variant predominance, whereas they offered just mild to moderate levels of protection—apparently affected by a rapid waning effect—in a period of Omicron variant predominance. Considering these results, it is plausible to evaluate a reformulation of possible future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns among underage subjects. However, effectiveness against serious complications due to COVID-19, as well as indirect benefits of underage vaccinations, should first be addressed. Furthermore, vaccine effectiveness should be kept monitored, as new VOCs may arise, but also new adapted vaccines may start being administered.
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13
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Sener Okur D. Neurological symptoms and signs associated with COVID-19 in pediatric patients: a single-center experience. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29920. [PMID: 35945769 PMCID: PMC9351517 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is insufficient evidence on SARS-CoV-2 induced neurological effects. Studies on CNS involvement during COVID-19 in children are limited. This study aims to identify and manage the neurological signs and symptoms in COVID-19-infected pediatric patients during follow up and plan future follow-ups. Children diagnosed COVID-19 and hospitalized in the pediatric pandemic services, between March 18, 2020, and June 18, 2021, were included in the study. Children with underlying neurological disease were excluded from the study. Patient data retrieved from hospital files and medical records. Children divided into 2 groups, 1 and 2, based on the presence or absence of neurological findings. A total of 243 children received follow-ups in the pandemic wards, 35 (14.4%) of these patients had neurological findings. Major neurological manifestations were headache (n:17, 7%), seizure (n:4, 1.6%), and anosmia/hyposmia (n:17, 7%). The number of boys (n:13, 37.1%) was smaller than the number of girls (n:22, 62.9%) in Group 1. Group 1 showed higher blood leukocyte, lymphocyte, thrombocyte, AST, LDH, d-dimer values. Anosmia/hyposmia occurred more often in girls, anosmia and headache occurred more often over 9 years of age. Pulmonary and hematologic involvement was more common in children with anosmia and headache. Our study is one of the few studies on neurological involvement in COVID-19 in children. To the best of our knowledge, there is limited data on these subjects in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicle Sener Okur
- State Hospital of Denizli, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Denizli, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Dicle Sener Okur, State Hospital of Denizli, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Address: Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 20180, Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey (e-mail: )
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14
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Abstract
Severe complications related to COVID-19 occur infrequently in children and adolescents. these life-threatening complications are mainly acute respiratory failure from acute COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a postinfectious complication occurring approximately 3 to 6 weeks mostly after an asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. For both types of complications, supportive ICU care is often required. For MIS-C critical illness, immunomodulation is prescribed to reverse hyperinflammation and its cardiac and other sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Blatz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adrienne G Randolph
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Bader 634, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Anaesthesia and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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15
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Stafstrom CE. Neurological effects of COVID-19 in infants and children. Dev Med Child Neurol 2022; 64:818-829. [PMID: 35243616 PMCID: PMC9111795 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children are becoming increasingly apparent as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues. While children manifest relatively milder features of the disease, accumulating evidence warrants concern that COVID-19 exacts both acute- and long-term effects on the developing central and peripheral nervous systems. This review focuses on the relatively underinvestigated topic of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain in infancy and childhood, concluding that clinicians should be attentive to both the acute effects and long-term consequences of COVID-19 from a neurological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E. Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric NeurologyDepartments of Neurology and PediatricsThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
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16
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Yang D, Kang HC. Neurological Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pediatric Patients. ANNALS OF CHILD NEUROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.26815/acn.2022.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes various neurological symptoms in children, as well as respiratory symptoms, and the number of reported cases is increasing with the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. This study aimed to investigate the neurological symptoms and incidence in pediatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients under the age of 18 diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction from December 2020 to March 2022. We reviewed data on the age of confirmed COVID-19 patients, fever, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. We evaluated the chief complaints of hospitalization and classified them as non-neurological or neurological, according to the chief complaints that caused the most discomfort.Results: Among 376 patients, 63 (16.8%) and 313 (83.2%) patients were classified as having neurological and non-neurological symptoms, respectively. The most common neurological symptoms were headache (49, 13.0%), followed by seizures (39, 10.4%), myalgia (24, 6.4%), and dizziness (14, 3.7%). Additionally, there were patients with anosmia (nine, 2.4%), ageusia (four, 1.1%), and visual disturbance (twi, 0.5%). Of the 39 patients who experienced seizures, 15 (15/39, 51.7%) had no symptoms except fever, and seizures were the only main presenting symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: Neurological symptoms are common in pediatric COVID-19 patients. Seizures can be an early symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be underestimated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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