Neurological effects of COVID-19 in infants and children

Clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated with severe neurological dysfunctions in Foshan, China

Objective

To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 following the adjustment of COVID-19 prevention and control policies in China in December 2022.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 9 cases of severe neurological dysfunction caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in children admitted to Foshan First People's Hospital from December 17 to 31, 2022.

Results

Among the 9 cases, 7 (71.43%) were under 3 years old, and 2 (22.2%) were over 3 years old with underlying diseases. All patients presented with fever and neurological symptoms such as consciousness disturbance and/or convulsions, and their conditions deteriorated rapidly within 24 h after the onset of fever, without respiratory symptoms. Levels of IL-6, LDH, and d-dimer were significantly elevated. Five cases died within 48 h of admission, one case died after 7 days of treatment due to secondary bacterial infection, and three cases survived for more than 48 h after the initial rescue. All patients developed rapid shock, and five cases experienced multi-organ failure within a short period. In terms of treatment, glucocorticoids were used in 5 cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 3 cases, and blood purification and tocilizumab in 2 cases.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children can lead to severe neurological damage. High fever, convulsions, and inflammatory factors serve as early warning indicators. Glucocorticoids, immunoglobulins, blood purification, and tocilizumab may have some therapeutic effects, but further research is needed to confirm the efficacy.

Neurological Manifestations of Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pediatric Patients: A 3-Year Study on Differences between Pandemic Waves

This study analyzed the neurological manifestation profiles of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection across pandemic waves in pediatric patients. The study collected data on patients aged between 0 and 18 years, diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, admitted to a pediatric tertiary hospital between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2023. This study included 1677 patients. Neurological manifestations were noted in 10% (n = 168) of patients with a median age of 3.2 years (interquartile range: 1-11.92). Neurological manifestations were significantly associated with the pandemic waves (p = 0.006) and age groups (p < 0.001). Seizures were noted in 4.2% of cases and reached an increasing frequency over time (p = 0.001), but were not associated with age groups. Febrile seizures accounted for the majority of seizures. Headache was reported in 2.6% of cases and had similar frequencies across the pandemic waves and age groups. Muscular involvement was noted in 2% of cases, reached a decreasing frequency over time (p < 0.001), and showed different frequencies among the age groups. Neurological manifestations of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibit distinct patterns, depending on the pandemic wave and patient age group. The Wuhan and Omicron waves involved the nervous system more often than the other waves.

Has the Incidence of Febrile Convulsions in Childhood Changed During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic?

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is usually asymptomatic or only mild symptoms are typical. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of febrile convulsions in our own patients with COVID-19. Patients and Methods: In our retrospective study, we reviewed the data of children who presented at our University Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 with febrile convulsion. The control group were children admitted to the hospital because of febrile convulsions from January 2018 to January 2020. Results: During the coronavirus pandemic, 51 patients were examined with febrile convulsions. The majority (86.3%) of children had their first febrile convulsion during this period. We diagnosed simple febrile convulsions in 40 cases and complicated ones in 11 cases. The family history of febrile convulsion or epilepsy was present in 12 (23.5%) patients. In addition to febrile convulsion, SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by laboratory testing in 4 cases (7.8%). Three of them had febrile convulsion during the Omicron variant period. Conclusions: During the coronavirus pandemic, the number of children examined because of having febrile convulsions was not higher than in the control period. The coronavirus is unlikely to increase the risk of febrile convulsions.

Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general social impact of the pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey that aims at investigating the neuropsychological effects and the QoL impairment of SARS-CoV-2 on a cohort of children and adolescents in the Abruzzo region (Italy). A questionnaire was submitted to caregivers with the help of the PEDIATOTEM platform. A control group of healthy subjects was also included to distinguish between the effects of infection from the general influence of the pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 569 subjects responded: 396 COVID-19 patients (99 of whom had Long COVID-19) and 111 controls. After the pandemic, when compared with the COVID-19 group, the controls reported significantly increased appetite, sleeping habits, and time spent remotely with friends and a reduction in physical activity and time spent in person with friends. A significant higher rate of controls asked for psychological/medical support for emotional problems. On the other hand, the Long COVID-19 group showed more fatigue and emotional instability with respect to non-Long-COVID-19 subjects. No differences in QoL results (EuroQOL) were found between the COVID-19 patients and controls, while the Long-COVID-19 subgroup showed significantly higher rates of pain/discomfort and mood instability, as confirmed by the analysis of variation of responses from the pre-COVID-19 to the post-COVID-19 period.

CONCLUSIONS

Among COVID-19 patients, neuropsychological and QoL impairment was more evident in the Long COVID-19 subgroup, although emotional and relational issues were also reported by uninfected patients, with a growing request for specialist support as a possible consequence of social restriction.

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

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.

Potential Neurologic Manifestations of COVID-19 Infection in Neonates

In contrast to adults, neonates and infants with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have milder symptoms and are less likely to require hospitalization. However, some neonates with COVID-19 can present with significant symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that neurologic manifestations of neonatal COVID-19 infection may be higher than initially thought. In this comprehensive review of the current literature, we summarize the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings, as well as potential management strategies for COVID-19-related neurologic illness in neonates. Although the growing brain may be affected by neurologic disease associated with COVID-19 infection, the few published studies on the long-term outcomes after COVID-19 infection in neonates and infants provide conflicting results. Larger collaborative clinical studies are needed to determine whether COVID-19 infection in neonates has long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The impact of COVID-19 and long COVID on sexual function in cisgender women

BACKGROUND

Research suggests that COVID-19 impairs sexual function in men, but little is known about the impact of COVID-19 (or long COVID) on sexual function in women.

AIM

We sought to compare the sexual function of cisgender women who had never had COVID-19, who had COVID-19 but not long COVID, and who had long COVID, and assessed whether long COVID symptoms and/or emotional distress mediate the relationship between COVID-19 history and sexual function.

METHODS

In total, 2329 adult cisgender women were recruited online as study participants. Half of these women reported having had COVID-19, and the other half reported never having had COVID-19. Of those who had COVID-19, 25% (n = 170) reported having long COVID. We compared the mean Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores by using t-tests for each of the primary comparison categories (never COVID vs COVID and only COVID vs long COVID). Four path models were used to test the hypotheses that (1) long COVID symptoms or (2) depression, anxiety, and/or stress assessed with the subscales of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) mediated the relationship between COVID-19 and sexual function.

OUTCOMES

Sexual function was measured with the FSFI, long COVID symptoms were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control working symptom set, and emotional distress was measured with the DASS-21.

RESULTS

In total, 1313 participants provided data suitable for analysis. The never-COVID group (n = 645, 49.1%) had higher scores on the Desire, Arousal, Lubrication, and Satisfaction subscales of the FSFI (mean [M] [SD] FSFI total Mnever COVID = 27.98 [4.84] vs MCOVID = 27.05 [5.21]) than the combined only-COVID (n = 498, 37.9%) and long-COVID (n = 170, 12.9%) groups. The FSFI subscale scores were significantly higher in the only-COVID group than in the long-COVID group for the Arousal, Lubrication, and Orgasm and lower for the Pain subscales and higher for overall sexual function (FSFI total Monly COVID = 27.49 [5.00] vs Mlong COVID = 25.77 [5.61]. None of the proposed mediation models had adequate model fit.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians treating cisgender women who have COVID-19 should consider proactively discussing sexual function with their patients and offering available resources.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

In this study we used a large and diverse sample, but this sample did not include transgender or gender-diverse persons. This study was also correlational; as such, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. Further, the mechanism of action remains unexplained.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest the following: (1) COVID-19 infection is associated with impaired sexual function in cisgender women, and (2) that women with long COVID experienced incrementally more impaired sexual function than women with COVID-19 who did not develop long COVID.

The first case of hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome with fulminant hypercytokinemia associated with pediatric COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead not only to respiratory symptoms but also to neurologic symptoms with various levels of severity. After the worldwide prevalence of Omicron variant, severe neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as febrile seizure, demyelinating disease, and cerebrovascular disease, have been reported. However, reports of acute encephalopathy in patients with COVID-19 are quite limited. Especially in terms of cytokine storm-inducing hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome (HSES), there is no case reported related to COVID-19.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with fatal HSES associated with pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection. Status epilepticus occurs after the onset of fever and diarrhea and lasted for at least an hour. Unconsciousness was followed by circulatory failure and ultimately leading to death within 2 days after the fever onset. Analysis of forty-eight cytokines and chemokines measured in three consecutive serum samples revealed that interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, IL-8, Interferon gamma inducible protein (IP)-10, and Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, were increased within an hour after the onset of impaired consciousness.

CONCLUSION

Here, we describe a case of fatal fulminant encephalopathy with rapid progression because of HSES associated with COVID-19. High levels of cytokines and chemokines observed in this case may be because of the SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm. This study is the first COVID-19-associated case of HSES.

Long-COVID in children: An exploratory case-control study from a bio-psycho-social perspective

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine psychosocial differences between children with Long-COVID Syndrome (LCS) and two control groups (i.e., children who did not have COVID-19 and children who had previously had COVID-19 but did not develop LCS) from a bio-psycho-social and psychosomatic perspective. To classify children in these three groups, we examined the percentage of children meeting criteria for LCS, the type, frequency, perceived severity of symptoms, and their prevalence compared with children who never had SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

Data were collected from 198 Italian mothers of children aged 4 to 13 years using a cross-sectional web-based case-control survey. Of these, 105 were mothers of children who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 and 94 were mothers of children who had previously had COVID-19. Information was collected on the type and frequency of symptoms commonly referred to as "Long-COVID symptoms" and psychosocial dimensions (i.e., maternal and child health anxiety, COVID-19 anxiety, adjustment, and child deprivation). Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, Student's T-Test, and analyses of variance were performed.

RESULTS

29 children (15% of the total sample) developed LCS, mostly in the neurological/neuropsychiatric domain (59%), and of mild intensity. Regarding psychosocial and psychological dimensions, maternal health anxiety, child deprivation, and fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection differed between groups, with the first two dimensions higher in children with LCS than in controls and the latter lower in children with LCS than in controls.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on the need of integrating a psychosocial approach into the medical care of children with LCS and their caregivers.

A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 review, Part 2: host extracellular to systemic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection

COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The betacoronavirus continues to evolve with global health implications as we race to learn more to curb its transmission, evolution, and sequelae. The focus of this review, the second of a three-part series, is on the biological effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on post-acute disease in the context of tissue and organ adaptations and damage. We highlight the current knowledge and describe how virological, animal, and clinical studies have shed light on the mechanisms driving the varied clinical diagnoses and observations of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, we describe how investigations into SARS-CoV-2 effects have informed the understanding of viral pathogenesis and provide innovative pathways for future research on the mechanisms of viral diseases.

Infection, Dysbiosis and Inflammation Interplay in the COVID Era in Children

For over three years, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children and adolescents has generated repercussions, especially a few weeks after infection, for symptomatic patients who tested positive, for asymptomatic ones, or even just the contacts of an infected person, and evolved from severe forms such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) to multifarious clinical manifestations in long COVID (LC). Referred to under the umbrella term LC, the onset of persistent and highly heterogeneous symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertion malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and others have a major impact on the child's daily quality of life for months. The first aim of this review was to highlight the circumstances of the pathophysiological changes produced by COVID-19 in children and to better understand the hyperinflammation in COVID-19 and how MIS-C, as a life-threatening condition, could have been avoided in some patients. Another goal was to better identify the interplay between infection, dysbiosis, and inflammation at a molecular and cellular level, to better guide scientists, physicians, and pediatricians to advance new lines of medical action to avoid the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third objective was to identify symptoms and their connection to molecular pathways to recognize LC more easily. The fourth purpose was to connect the triggering factors of LC with related sequelae following acute SARS-CoV-2 injuries to systems and organs, the persistence of the virus, and some of its components in hidden reservoirs, including the gut and the central nervous system. The reactivation of other latent infectious agents in the host's immune environments, the interaction of this virus with the microbiome, immune hyperactivation, and autoimmunity generated by molecular mimicry between viral agents and host proteins, could initiate a targeted and individualized management. New high-tech solutions, molecules, probiotics, and others should be discovered to innovatively solve the interplay between RNA persistent viruses, microbiota, and our immune system.

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women

Background

: The SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes; pregnant women also experience immune suppression, increasing vulnerability. Vaccination can confer lasting protection, but most clinical trials exclude pregnant and breastfeeding women, leading to paucity of safety data.

Methods

: Via an online questionnaire, we have inquired about the safety experience of 2192 pregnant or breastfeeding women vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, including the incidence of adverse events, pregnancy outcomes, and confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Results

: The incidence of other adverse events was higher in women vaccinated during breastfeeding. Significant differences were observed for fatigue (relative risk 1.230, 95%CI 1.051 to 1.444, p=0.0098), headache (RR 1.822, 95%CI 1.379 to 2.418, p<0.0001), myalgia (RR 1.633, 95%CI 1.269 to 2.110, p<0.0001), chills (RR 2.027, 95%CI, p<0.0001), subfebrile temperature ≤ 38°C (RR 1.697, 95%CI 1.240 to 2.335, p=0.0007), arthralgia (RR 1.924, 95%CI 1.340 to 2.776, p=0.0002), fever > 38°C (R 6.410, 95%CI 2.890 to 14.30, p<0.0001), and shivers (RR 2.204, 95%CI 1.264 to 3.863, p=0.0049). No pattern of SAEs emerged. Menstrual cycle bleeding disorders occurred in 0.7% of breastfeeding women after the first dose and 0.5% after the second dose. One spontaneous abortion occurred; 93.1% of pregnancies were carried to term, 5.6% late preterm, 0.9% moderate preterm, and 0.3% very preterm. Two children had congenital defects. Vaccine efficacy was 96.3%.

Conclusions

: The safety profile of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding women was similar to the general population. Breastfeeding women experienced higher adverse event rates than pregnant women, presumably due to immune suppression in pregnancy.

Neuro-COVID-19 With or Without the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C): A Single-Center Study : COVID-19: Neurologic Manifestations in Children

This study evaluates the range of neurological manifestation in children with COVID-19 (neuro-COVID-19) both with and without the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and the persistence of symptoms after hospital discharge. The study was conducted as a prospective study of children and adolescents under 18 years of age who were admitted to a children's hospital for infectious diseases from January 2021 to January 2022. The children had no previous neurological or psychiatric disorders. Out of the 3021 patients evaluated, 232 were confirmed to have COVID-19 and 21 of these patients (9%) showed neurological manifestations associated with the virus. Of these 21 patients, 14 developed MIS-C, and 7 had neurological manifestations unrelated to MIS-C. There was no statistical difference regarding the neurological manifestations during hospitalization and outcomes between patients with neuro-COVID-19 who had or did not have MIS-C, except for seizures that occurred more frequently in patients with neuro-COVID-19 without MIS-C (p-value = 0.0263). One patient died, and 5 patients still had neurological or psychiatric manifestations at discharge, which persisted for up to 7 months. The study highlights that SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect the central and peripheral nervous system, particularly in children and adolescents with MIS-C, and that it is crucial to be vigilant for long-term adverse outcomes, as the neurological and psychiatric effects of COVID-19 in children are emerging during an important stage of brain development.

Incidence of Epilepsy and Seizures Over the First 6 Months After a COVID-19 Diagnosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The relationship between COVID-19 and epilepsy is uncertain. We studied the potential association between COVID-19 and seizures or epilepsy in the 6 months after infection.

METHODS

We applied validated methods to an electronic health records network (TriNetX Analytics) of 81 million people. We closely matched people with COVID-19 infections to those with influenza. In each cohort, we measured the incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) of seizures and epilepsy. We stratified data by age and by whether the person was hospitalized during the acute infection. We then explored time-varying HRs to assess temporal patterns of seizure or epilepsy diagnoses.

RESULTS

We analyzed 860,934 electronic health records. After matching, this yielded 2 cohorts each of 152,754 patients. COVID-19 was associated with an increased risk of seizures and epilepsy compared with influenza. The incidence of seizures within 6 months of COVID-19 was 0.81% (95% CI 0.75-0.88; HR compared with influenza 1.55 [1.39-1.74]). The incidence of epilepsy was 0.30% (0.26-0.34; HR compared with influenza 1.87 [1.54-2.28]). The HR of epilepsy after COVID-19 compared with influenza was greater in people who had not been hospitalized and in individuals younger than 16 years. The time of peak HR after infection differed by age and hospitalization status.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of new seizures or epilepsy diagnoses in the 6 months after COVID-19 was low overall, but higher than in matched patients with influenza. This difference was more marked in people who were not hospitalized, highlighting the risk of epilepsy and seizures even in those with less severe infection. Children appear at particular risk of seizures and epilepsy after COVID-19 providing another motivation to prevent COVID-19 infection in pediatric populations. That the varying time of peak risk related to hospitalization and age may provide clues as to the underlying mechanisms of COVID-associated seizures and epilepsy.

Case report: A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients

Introduction

Since the beginning, there has been enough evidence about the multi-systematic involvement of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent observations have revealed that, together with others, typical neurological manifestations are also associated with COVID-19 infection. In the first 2 years, children accounted for a few percent of cases, but with the emergence of the Omicron variant, the number of cases in the pediatric population has increased. It has been described that ~5% of the affected population suffered from severe neurological complications, such as seizure, coma, encephalitis, demyelinating disorders, and aseptic meningitis. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Typically, it presents in childhood and occurs 1 or 2 weeks after infection or vaccination.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy who developed ADEM, 10 days after an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Neurological symptoms began with headache, fever, irritability, paraplegia, and loss of sensitivity from the T1 level. The diagnosis of ADEM was confirmed by the typical signs found on brain MRI, whereas spinal cord MRI showed signs of transverse myelitis. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing excluded infections and did not reveal oligoclonal antibody bands (anti-MOG-negative and anti-AQP-negative). High-dose steroids (30 mg/kg/day) and IVIG (2 g/kg) were administered to the patient without any clinical improvement. The patient received a cycle of plasma exchange therapy, followed by rituximab infusion, with partial improvement. After 3 months, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results demonstrated radiological improvement in accordance with the ADEM diagnosis.

Conclusion

This clinical case confirms that SARS-CoV-2 infections are increasingly implicated in severe neurological consequences in both adult and pediatric patients. While the most frequent complications that were reported in children included headache, altered mental status, and encephalopathy, ~5% of the individuals suffered from severe neurological complications, leading to lifelong sequelae. All physicians must be aware of these data and detect neurological signs of severe (or not) complications that require a specific follow-up and treatment.

Comparison of COVID-19 and RSV Infection Courses in Infants and Children under 36 Months Hospitalized in Paediatric Department in Fall and Winter Season 2021/2022

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to determine the differences between COVID-19 and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children hospitalized in the pediatric department.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 52 children with COVID-19 and 43 children with RSV infection younger than 36 months hospitalized in a pediatric department between September 2021 and March 2022. Clinical and laboratory findings, methods of treatment and hospitalization length were compared.

RESULTS

In the RSV group, significantly higher rates of cough (93.2% vs. 38.5%), rhinitis (83.7% vs. 50%), dyspnea (83.7% vs. 21.1%), crackles (69.8% vs. 5.8%) and wheezes (72.1% vs. 9.6%) were observed. The COVID-19 group had significantly higher rates of fever (80.8% vs. 37.2%) and seizures (13.5% vs. 0%). Patients with RSV infection had significantly higher rates of bronchodilator therapy (88.37% vs. 5.77%) and oxygen therapy (48.8% vs. 7.7%) and required a longer hospital stay (8 vs. 3 days). In admission, the majority of the patients from both groups were not treated with antibiotics, but because of clinical deterioration and suspected bacterial co-infections, antibiotics were administered significantly more frequently in the RSV group (30.2% vs. 9.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

RSV infection in infants and small children had a more severe course than COVID-19 infection. RSV infection was associated with a longer hospitalization period and required more elaborate treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children and adolescents: Can immunization prevent hospitalization?

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants of concern can infect people of all ages and can cause severe diseases in children, such as encephalitis, which require intensive care. Therefore, vaccines are urgently required to prevent severe disease in all age groups. We reviewed the safety and efficacy profiles of mRNA vaccines-BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273-demonstrated by clinical trials or observed in the real world. mRNA-1273 is effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in preschool children (6 months-6 years old). Both BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in school-aged children and adolescents, thereby preventing post-coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions. The common side effects of vaccination are pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Myocarditis and pericarditis are uncommon. Monitoring post-vaccination troponin levels may help prevent severe cardiac events. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus mutates its genome to overcome the herd immunity provided by mass vaccinations; therefore, we may need to develop new generations of vaccines, such as those using viral nucleocapsid proteins as antigens. In conclusion, the mRNA vaccines are generally safe and effective in preventing severe diseases and hospitalization among children and adolescents.

Neurological Aspects of the Sequelae of COVID-19 in Children

It has now been established that neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders persist for prolonged periods in a significant proportion of adult patients who have had COVID-19, though there is much less information about the manifestations of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) in children and adolescents. This review presents data on the features of the course of PCS in young patients, and considers the options for treating these patients. The results of studies on the use of Cortexin for correcting cognitive and emotional disorders are analyzed.