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Marcotullio C, Attanasi M, Porreca A, Di Filippo P, Matricardi S, Venanzi A, Schiavo M, Paone A, Rossi N, Chiarelli F, Prezioso G. Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:532. [PMID: 38790527 PMCID: PMC11119843 DOI: 10.3390/children11050532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marcotullio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Marina Attanasi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Annamaria Porreca
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Paola Di Filippo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Annamaria Venanzi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Marco Schiavo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonio Paone
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Nadia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Giovanni Prezioso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.M.); (M.A.); (P.D.F.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (M.S.); (N.R.); (F.C.)
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Rao S, Gross RS, Mohandas S, Stein CR, Case A, Dreyer B, Pajor NM, Bunnell HT, Warburton D, Berg E, Overdevest JB, Gorelik M, Milner J, Saxena S, Jhaveri R, Wood JC, Rhee KE, Letts R, Maughan C, Guthe N, Castro-Baucom L, Stockwell MS. Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023062570. [PMID: 38321938 PMCID: PMC10904902 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-062570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant medical, social, and economic impacts globally, both in the short and long term. Although most individuals recover within a few days or weeks from an acute infection, some experience longer lasting effects. Data regarding the postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (PASC) in children, or long COVID, are only just emerging in the literature. These symptoms and conditions may reflect persistent symptoms from acute infection (eg, cough, headaches, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell), new symptoms like dizziness, or exacerbation of underlying conditions. Children may develop conditions de novo, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune conditions and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This state-of-the-art narrative review provides a summary of our current knowledge about PASC in children, including prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and functional outcomes, as well as a conceptual framework for PASC based on the current National Institutes of Health definition. We highlight the pediatric components of the National Institutes of Health-funded Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Initiative, which seeks to characterize the natural history, mechanisms, and long-term health effects of PASC in children and young adults to inform future treatment and prevention efforts. These initiatives include electronic health record cohorts, which offer rapid assessments at scale with geographical and demographic diversity, as well as longitudinal prospective observational cohorts, to estimate disease burden, illness trajectory, pathobiology, and clinical manifestations and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rachel S. Gross
- Departments of Pediatrics
- Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sindhu Mohandas
- Division of Infectious Diseases
- Department of Pediatrics and Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Cheryl R. Stein
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Abigail Case
- Department of Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benard Dreyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nathan M. Pajor
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - H. Timothy Bunnell
- Biomedical Research Informatics Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - David Warburton
- Department of Pediatrics and Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elizabeth Berg
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan B. Overdevest
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Mark Gorelik
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Joshua Milner
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Sejal Saxena
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John C. Wood
- Department of Pediatrics and Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kyung E. Rhee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Rebecca Letts
- Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Christine Maughan
- Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Nick Guthe
- Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Melissa S. Stockwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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Paniskaki K, Goretzki S, Anft M, Konik MJ, Meister TL, Pfaender S, Lechtenberg K, Vogl M, Dogan B, Dolff S, Westhoff TH, Rohn H, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Stervbo U, Witzke O, Dohna-Schwake C, Babel N. Increased SARS-CoV-2 reactive low avidity T cells producing inflammatory cytokines in pediatric post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC). Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023; 34:e14060. [PMID: 38146118 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14060] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of the convalescent SARS-CoV-2 pediatric population presents nonspecific symptoms, mental health problems, and a reduction in quality of life similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID-19 symptomatic. However, data regarding its clinical manifestation and immune mechanisms are currently scarce. METHODS In this study, we perform a comprehensive clinical and immunological profiling of 17 convalescent COVID-19 children with post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC) manifestation and 13 convalescent children without PASC manifestation. A detailed medical history, blood and instrumental tests, and physical examination were obtained from all patients. SARS-CoV-2 reactive T-cell response was analyzed via multiparametric flow cytometry and the humoral immunity was addressed via pseudovirus neutralization and ELISA assay. RESULTS The most common PASC symptoms were shortness of breath/exercise intolerance, paresthesia, smell/taste disturbance, chest pain, dyspnea, headache, and lack of concentration. Blood count and clinical chemistry showed no statistical differences among the study groups. We detected higher frequencies of spike (S) reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among the PASC study group, characterized by TNFα and IFNγ production and low functional avidity. CRP levels are positively correlated with IFNγ producing reactive CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data might indicate a possible involvement of a persistent cellular inflammatory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in the development of the observed sequelae in pediatric PASC. These results may have implications on future therapeutic and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia Paniskaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Goretzki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Moritz Anft
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Margarethe J Konik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Toni L Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Klara Lechtenberg
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Vogl
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Burcin Dogan
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Timm H Westhoff
- Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Mueser
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - University Clinic Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Howe de la Torre S, Parlatini V, Cortese S. Long-term central nervous system (CNS) consequences of COVID-19 in children. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:703-720. [PMID: 37545414 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2239500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms are commonly reported by children/young people with long COVID, especially headache, fatigue, cognitive deficits, anosmia and ageusia, dizziness, mood symptoms, and sleep problems. However, reported prevalence estimates are highly variable due to study heterogeneity and often small sample size; most studies only considered short-term follow-ups; and, apart from mood and sleep problems, neuropsychiatric conditions have received less attention. Considering the potential debilitating effects of neurological/neuropsychiatric conditions, a comprehensive review of the topic is timely, and needed to support clinical recognition as well as to set the direction for future research. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss neurological/neuropsychiatric manifestations of long COVID in pediatric populations, with a focus on prevalence, associated demographic characteristics, and potential pathogenetic mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION Children/young people may develop persistent neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may affect daily functioning and well-being. Studies in larger samples with longer follow-ups are needed to clarify prevalence and symptom duration; as well as less investigated risk factors, including genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and comorbidities. Controlled studies may help separate infection-related direct effects from pandemic-related psychosocial stressors. Clarifying pathogenetic mechanisms is paramount to develop more targeted and effective treatments; whilst screening programs and psychoeducation may enhance early recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Parlatini
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Horizon Centre, CAMHS West, William Macleod Way, Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, New York, USA
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Shabaan AA, Kassem I, Mahrous AI, Aboulmagd I, Badrah M, Attalla M, Refahee SM. Diode laser in management of loss of taste sensation in patients with post-COVID syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:263. [PMID: 37149582 PMCID: PMC10163926 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-02952-w] [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: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loss of taste (ageusia) is a symptom observed following recovery from COVID-19 infection. The loss of taste and smell sensation may negatively affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Diode Laser in managing loss of taste sensation in patients with post-COVID syndrome versus the placebo. MATERIAL AND METHOD The study sample was 36 patients who complained of persistent loss of taste sensation following COVID-19. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups according to the received treatment: Group I (laser treatment) and Group II (light treatment), with each patient receiving a diode laser treatment or placebo from the same operator. Taste sensation was subjectively measured after treatment for four weeks. RESULTS The results demonstrated a significant difference between both groups regarding taste restoration after one month (p = 0.041), with Group II having a significantly higher percentage of cases 7 (38.9%) with partial taste restoration. In contrast, a significantly higher proportion of Group I 17 cases (94.4%) had complete taste restoration (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The present study concluded that using a Diode laser 810 nm aided in a more rapid recovery from loss of taste dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshaimaa Ahmed Shabaan
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Islam Kassem
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Al-Alamin Hospital, Ministry of Health, Al-Alamin, Egypt
| | - Aliaa Ibrahium Mahrous
- Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
- Fixed Prosthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza, Egypt
| | - Inass Aboulmagd
- Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Mai Badrah
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Attalla
- Oral and Maxillofacial Department, IMAXFAX, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Mohsen Refahee
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
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