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Zhang J, Kuang T, Liu X. Advances in researches on long coronavirus disease in children: a narrative review. Transl Pediatr 2024; 13:318-328. [PMID: 38455739 PMCID: PMC10915432 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective In the context of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), more than 700 million infections and millions of deaths have occurred in countries around the world. Currently, two main sequelae of this disease are considered to occur in children, namely, multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children and long COVID. Among these two, the incidence of long COVID is higher and its impact on the population is more extensive, which is the focus of us. However, due to the lack of relevant studies and the limitations of most studies, the studies on sequelae of COVID-19 infection lag behind those of adults, but they have begun to attract the attention of some clinicians and researchers. We aim to summarize the current knowledge of long COVID in children, helping pediatricians and researchers to better understand this disease and providing guidance on research and clinical treatment of it. Methods We reviewed all the studies on "long COVID", pediatric, children, adolescent, post-COVID syndrome in PubMed published after 2019. Key Content and Findings This review summarizes the latest researches on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment of long COVID in children. Based on the existing research data, we summarized and analyzed the characteristics of long COVID in children, discovering the means to decipher the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children and some potential therapeutic treatments. Conclusions We aim to summarize existing research on long COVID in children and help pediatricians and government agencies quickly understand the disease so that it can be used for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the population. In addition, providing a research basis for further researches on the cellular and even molecular level to explain the occurrence and development of diseases, and has a guiding role for future research direction.
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Behnood S, Newlands F, O’Mahoney L, Haghighat Ghahfarokhi M, Muhid MZ, Dudley J, Stephenson T, Ladhani SN, Bennett S, Viner RM, Bhopal R, Kolasinska P, Shafran R, Swann OV, Takeda A. Persistent symptoms are associated with long term effects of COVID-19 among children and young people: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293600. [PMID: 38153928 PMCID: PMC10754445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the long-term impact on COVID-19 in children and young people (CYP) has been published at pace. We aimed to update and refine an earlier systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for Post-COVID-19 Condition in CYP. METHODS Studies from the previous systematic review were combined with studies from a systematic search from July 2021 to November 2022 (registration PROSPERO CRD42021233153). Eligible studies included CYP aged ≤19 years with confirmed or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms persisting at least 12 weeks. FINDINGS 55 studies (n = 1,139,299 participants) were included. Over two-hundred symptoms were associated with Post COVID-19 Condition. Gastrointestinal problems, headaches, cough and fever were among the most prevalent symptoms with rates of 50.2%, 35.6%, 34.7% and 25.8% respectively. Twenty-one symptoms from 11 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. There were significantly higher pooled estimates of proportions of symptoms for altered / loss of smell or taste, dyspnoea, fatigue, and myalgia in CYP with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Heterogeneity was high suggesting substantial variation amongst the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Many CYP continue to experience symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Efforts to aid early identification and intervention of those most in need is warranted and the consequences of COVID-19 for CYP call for long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Behnood
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Newlands
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren O’Mahoney
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jake Dudley
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terence Stephenson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shamez N. Ladhani
- Immunisation Department, MRCPCH(UK), UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Bennett
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Russell M. Viner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rowan Bhopal
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paige Kolasinska
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roz Shafran
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia V. Swann
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Takeda
- Freelance Systematic Reviewer, Winchester, United Kingdom
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Miraglia Del Giudice M, Klain A, Dinardo G, D'Addio E, Bencivenga CL, Fontanella C, Decimo F, Umano GR, Siciliano M, Carotenuto M, Indolfi C. Behavioral and Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents following COVID-19 Disease: A Case-Control Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1189. [PMID: 37508686 PMCID: PMC10378309 DOI: 10.3390/children10071189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies show that neuropsychiatric disorders are the most frequent sequelae of COVID-19 in children. PURPOSE Our work aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on behavior and sleep in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 107 patients aged 1.5-18 years who contracted COVID-19 between one year and one month prior to data collection, referred to the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of behavior (Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL)) and sleep (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SLDS)). We analysed and compared the results with a control group (pre-COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS In the COVID-19 group, the major results were found for sleep breathing disorders, sleep-wake transition disorders and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep for the SDSC questionnaire, and internalizing scale, total scale and anxiety/depression for the CBCL questionnaire. The comparison of the CBCL results of the cases with the controls revealed statistically significant differences for the following items: internalizing scale, externalizing scale, somatic complaints, total score, thought problems [(p < 0.01)], anxious/depressed problems and withdrawn [(p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has impacted children's and adolescents' mental health. Adolescents were the most affected patient group for internalizing problems, including anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Klain
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Addio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucia Bencivenga
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Fontanella
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabio Decimo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rosaria Umano
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Siciliano
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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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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Al-Shamrani A, Al-Shamrani K, Al-Otaibi M, Alenazi A, Aldosaimani H, Aldhalaan Z, Alalkami H, Yousef AA, Kobeisy S, Alharbi S. Residual Cough and Asthma-like Symptoms Post-COVID-19 in Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1031. [PMID: 37371263 DOI: 10.3390/children10061031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide and is characterized by different presentations ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. COVID-19 affects all age groups, including pediatric patients. We observed numerous children complaining of a cough post-COVID-19, even if it was trivial. The most reported persistent symptoms after recovery from COVID-19 were insomnia, coughing, fatigue, dyspnea, loss of taste and/or smell, and headache. To date, residual cough post-COVID-19 has been reported in pediatrics and adolescents. METHOD we conducted a retrospective study, with a self-administered questionnaire by the patient or caregiver, 12 months post-COVID-19-infection. RESULT A total of 94.8% of patients were Saudi citizens and were mainly from the southern region of Saudi Arabia (50.0%). Mothers (64.4%) submitted most of the results. The ages were as follows: 6-14 years (51.0%), 3-5 years (32.3%), and younger than 2 years of age (only 16.7%). Females accounted for 41.7% of those studied. Nearly half of the patients (48.5%) had had a previous COVID-19 infection in 2022, with only 2.1% infected in 2019. Only 27/194 (13.9%) patients required hospital admission, and 7 of them (4.2%) required intensive care treatment. A total of 179 (92.2%) patients still reported persistent symptoms 4 weeks post-COVID-19-infection. A cough was reported in 69.8% of patients, followed by cough and wheezing in 12.3%. The cough was described as dry in 78.0% and nocturnal in 54.1%, while 42.5% did not notice any diurnal variation. For those reporting residual cough, 39.3% found that it affected school attendance and daily activities, 31.1% reported associated chest pain, 51.9% associated it with wheezing, and 27.1% associated it with shortness of breath. For 54.4%, the residual cough lasted less than one month, while 31.4% reported a 1-2 month duration. Only 1.0% had a duration of cough of more than 3 months. For cough relief, 28.2% used bronchodilators, 19.9% used cough syrup, 16.6% used a combination of bronchodilators and steroid inhalers, and 1.7% used antibiotics. Surprisingly, 33% attempted herbal remedies for cough relief. Sesame oil was used the most (40.0%), followed by a mixture of olive oil and sesame oil (25.0%), and 21.7% used male frankincense. The majority (78.4%) sought medical advice for their post-infection cough, either from general pediatricians (39.5%) or via specialist pediatric pulmonology consultations (30.9%). A total of 11.0% with a residual cough reported having pets at home, while 27.2% reported secondhand smoke exposure in the household. Before infection with COVID-19, only 32.6% were diagnosed with asthma, while 68.2% reported a diagnosis of atopic skin. CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of residual cough post-COVID-19, extended for a minimum of two months, and the characteristics of the cough were very similar to those of asthmatic patients. There was still a high prevalence of using cough syrup and herbal remedies, especially olive oil, sesame oil, and male frankincense. A residual cough adversely affected school attendance in daily activities, and there was a high prevalence of other siblings in the family being affected. The study showed that a minority of patients were seen by the pulmonologist; luckily, long COVID was rare in our study, and so further studies are highly needed to confirm the association with asthma. More educational programs are highly needed regarding herbal remedies and cough syrup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Shamrani
- Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Al Faisal University, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Shamrani
- College of Medicine, Al Marifah University, P.O. Box 92882, Riyadh 11663, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maram Al-Otaibi
- Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 26523, Riyadh 12841, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayed Alenazi
- Respiratory Division, Department of Pediatrics, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7456, Riyadh 13326, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hareth Aldosaimani
- Department of Emergency, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 282236, Riyadh 11392, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeyad Aldhalaan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 106383, Riyadh 11666, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haleimah Alalkami
- Department of Pediatrics, Abha Maternity & Children Hospital, P.O. Box 62521, Abha 3613, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A Yousef
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, P.O. Box 2208, Al-Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sumayyah Kobeisy
- Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, P.O. Box 2537, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alharbi
- Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, P.O. Box 2537, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatrics, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Mecca 24382, Saudi Arabia
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Scarselli V, Calderoni D, Terrinoni A, Davico C, Pruccoli G, Denina M, Carducci C, Smarrazzo A, Martucci M, Presicce M, Marcotulli D, Arletti L, Ferrara M, Garazzino S, Mariani R, Campana A, Vitiello B. A Neuropsychiatric Assessment of Children with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3917. [PMID: 37373611 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123917] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Concerns have been raised about possible neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to examine the plausibility of long-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 by assessing a sample of children after the resolution of the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHOD As part of a systematic follow-up assessment of pediatric patients with COVID-19 conducted at two university children's hospitals, 50 children (56% males) aged 8 to 17 years (median 11.5), 26% with previous multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), without a prior history of neuropsychiatric disorders, received a battery of clinical neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological rating scales that included the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-2), Child Depression Inventory (CDI-2), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the NEPSY II (Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition). The assessments were conducted between 1 and 18 months (median 8 months) after the acute infection. RESULTS The CBCL internalizing symptoms score was in the clinical range for 40% of the participants (vs. a population expected rate of about 10%, p < 0.001). A sleep disturbance was detected in 28%, clinically significant anxiety in 48%, and depressive symptoms in 16%. The NEPSY II scores showed impairment in attention and other executive functions in 52%, and memory deficits in 40% of the children. CONCLUSIONS These data from direct assessment of a sample of children who had SARS-CoV-2 infection show higher than expected rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms, thus supporting the possibility that COVID-19 may have mental health sequelae long after the resolution of the acute infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Scarselli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Calderoni
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Terrinoni
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Davico
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Denina
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Carducci
- Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Smarrazzo
- Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Melania Martucci
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Presicce
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Arletti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Ferrara
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mariani
- Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Campana
- Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Prato A, Salerno AM, Saia F, Maugeri N, Zanini A, Scerbo M, Barone R, Rizzo R. Symptoms compatible with long COVID in an Italian pediatric cohort of Tourette patients with and without SARS‑CoV‑2 infection: a short-term follow-up assessment. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:222. [PMID: 37147589 PMCID: PMC10161986 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04035-9] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 0.3-1% of the population. During the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, the impact on the mental health of children and adolescents was very important. The persistence of symptoms in the post-acute phase of the disease has been termed Long COVID. The neuropsychiatric symptoms seem to be the most common impairment in children and adolescents with long COVID. OBJECTIVES Considering the impact of pandemic on mental health, in this study we analyzed the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents affected by TS. METHODS We conducted an online questionnaire covering socio-demographic and clinical data among 158 patients affected by TS or chronic tic disorders (CTD), of which 78 participants reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data were collected to investigate tic severity and both the comorbidities, as well as lockdown-related changes to daily life activities and, in case of infection of SARS-CoV-2, possible symptoms of acute infection and long COVID. Markers of systemic inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, iron, electrolytes, white blood cell counts, platelet cell counts levels, markers of liver, kidney and thyroid function were analyzed. First, all patients were screened with the Schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia for School age children-present and lifetime (Kiddie-SADS-PL) to rule out primary psychiatric disorders considered as criteria of exclusion. Then, all patients were clinically assessed at baseline (T0), and after three months (T1) through the administration of Yale Global Tic Severity Rating Scale (YGTSS), Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS Among the cohort of TS patients that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection, 84.6% (n = 66) experienced any acute symptoms, and long COVID symptoms occurred in 38.5% (n = 30). A worsening of clinical symptoms of tics and eventually associated comorbidities occurred in 34.6% (n = 27) of TS patients that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. TS patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection showed an increase in the severity of tics and also behavioral, depressive and anxious symptoms. Instead, this increase was more evident in patients who contracted the infection than in patients who did not contract it. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a role in the increase of tics and associated comorbidities in TS patients. Despite of these preliminary results, further investigations are necessary to improve knowledge about the acute and long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 in TS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Prato
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy.
| | - Angela Maria Salerno
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Federica Saia
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Maugeri
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Alice Zanini
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Miriam Scerbo
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Rita Barone
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
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Savino R, Polito AN, Marsala G, Ventriglio A, Di Salvatore M, De Stefano MI, Valenzano A, Marinaccio L, Bellomo A, Cibelli G, Monda M, Monda V, Messina A, Polito R, Carotenuto M, Messina G. Agomelatine: A Potential Multitarget Compound for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:734. [PMID: 37239206 PMCID: PMC10216109 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050734] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Agomelatine (AGM) is one of the latest atypical antidepressants, prescribed exclusively for the treatment of depression in adults. AGM belongs to the pharmaceutical class of melatonin agonist and selective serotonin antagonist ("MASS"), as it acts both as a selective agonist of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, and as a selective antagonist of 5-HT2C/5-HT2B receptors. AGM is involved in the resynchronization of interrupted circadian rhythms, with beneficial effects on sleep patterns, while antagonism on serotonin receptors increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, with an antidepressant and nootropic effect. The use of AGM in the pediatric population is limited by the scarcity of data. In addition, few studies and case reports have been published on the use of AGM in patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering this evidence, the purpose of this review is to report the potential role of AGM in neurological developmental disorders. AGM would increase the expression of the cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) in the prefrontal cortex, with optimization of learning, long-term memory consolidation, and improved survival of neurons. Another important feature of AGM is the ability to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission in regions associated with mood and cognition. With its synergistic activity a melatoninergic agonist and an antagonist of 5-HT2C, AGM acts as an antidepressant, psychostimulant, and promoter of neuronal plasticity, regulating cognitive symptoms, resynchronizing circadian rhythms in patients with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Given its good tolerability and good compliance, it could potentially be administered to adolescents and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Savino
- Department of Woman and Child, Neuropsychiatry for Child and Adolescent Unit, General Hospital "Riuniti" of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Nunzia Polito
- Department of Woman and Child, Neuropsychiatry for Child and Adolescent Unit, General Hospital "Riuniti" of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Melanie Di Salvatore
- Department of Woman and Child, Neuropsychiatry for Child and Adolescent Unit, General Hospital "Riuniti" of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Ida De Stefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Valenzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigi Marinaccio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cibelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marcellino Monda
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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9
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Pallanti S, Di Ponzio M. PANDAS/PANS in the COVID-19 Age: Autoimmunity and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation as Trigger Agents? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:648. [PMID: 37189896 PMCID: PMC10136983 DOI: 10.3390/children10040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 impacted the entire world's population, frequently resulting in long-lasting neuropsychiatric complications. Furthermore, social distancing, lockdowns and fear for one's personal health worsen individual psychological wellbeing, especially in children and adolescents. Herein, we discuss the results of studies that specifically reported data about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or infection on children with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANS). Furthermore, we present the cases of five adolescents with PANS whose symptomatology increased following SARS-CoV-2 infection. What emerged from this study was that COVID-19 resulted in the exacerbation of obsessions, tics, anxiety and mood symptoms and decreased wellbeing. Moreover, new symptoms, as well as new PANS cases, are reported to have arisen after COVID-19 infection. Here, we hypothesize that the pathogenic mechanisms of silent viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, are related to neuroinflammation, immune responses and reactivation, with additional roles played by social-isolation-related inflammatory processes. The discussion of PANS, which represents a model of immune-mediated neuropsychiatric manifestations, is particularly relevant, with the aim of uncovering the mechanisms that lead to neuropsychiatric Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). Prospects for future studies and treatment implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pallanti
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michele Di Ponzio
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Studies, Institute of Neurosciences, 50121 Florence, Italy
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10
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Host Genetic Variants Linked to COVID-19 Neurological Complications and Susceptibility in Young Adults-A Preliminary Analysis. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010123. [PMID: 36675784 PMCID: PMC9860613 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, multiple efforts have been made to use genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to untangle the genetic basis for SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and severe COVID-19. However, data on the genetic-related effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the presence of accompanying and long-term post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms in younger individuals remain absent. We aimed to examine the possible association between SNPs found in a GWAS of COVID-19 outcomes and three phenotypes: SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurological complications during disease progression, and long-term neurological complications in young adults with a mild-to-moderate disease course. University students (N = 336, age 18-25 years, European ancestry) with or without COVID-19 and neurological symptoms in anamnesis comprised the study sample. Logistic regression was performed with COVID-19-related phenotypes as outcomes, and the top 25 SNPs from GWAS meta-analyses and an MR study linking COVID-19 and cognitive deficits were found. We replicated previously reported associations of the FURIN and SLC6A20 gene variants (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.31-4.24) and OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.08-3.49, respectively) and remaining neurological complications (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.10-4.35 for SLC6A20), while NR1H2 (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.39-6.69) and TMPRSS2 (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.19-3.50) SNPs were associated with neurological symptoms accompanying COVID-19. Our findings indicate that genetic variants related to a severe COVID-19 course in adults may contribute to the occurrence of neurological repercussions in individuals at a young age.
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11
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Shan D, Li S, Xu R, Nie G, Xie Y, Han J, Gao X, Zheng Y, Xu Z, Dai Z. Post-COVID-19 human memory impairment: A PRISMA-based systematic review of evidence from brain imaging studies. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1077384. [PMID: 36570532 PMCID: PMC9780393 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1077384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) report varying degrees of memory impairment. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and PET have been utilized to shed light on how COVID-19 affects brain function in humans, including memory dysfunction. In this PRISMA-based systematic review, we compared and summarized the current literature looking at the relationship between COVID-19-induced neuropathological changes by neuroimaging scans and memory symptoms experienced by patients who recovered from COVID-19. Overall, this review suggests a correlational trend between structural abnormalities (e.g., cortical atrophy and white matter hyperintensities) or functional abnormalities (e.g., hypometabolism) in a wide range of brain regions (particularly in the frontal, parietal and temporal regions) and memory impairments in COVID-19 survivors, although a causal relationship between them remains elusive in the absence of sufficient caution. Further longitudinal investigations, particularly controlled studies combined with correlational analyses, are needed to provide additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shaoyang Li
- Faculty of Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruichen Xu
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Glen Nie
- Department of Biological Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yangyiran Xie
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Junchu Han
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaoyi Gao
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yuandian Zheng
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhen Xu
- Minhang Crosspoint Academy at Shanghai Wenqi Middle School, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihao Dai
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Psychiatric and neurological complications of long COVID. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:349-360. [PMID: 36326545 PMCID: PMC9582925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 was primarily considered a pulmonary disease with extrapulmonary manifestations. As the pandemic spread, there has been growing evidence that the disease affects various organs/systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Accumulation of clinical data demonstrates that in a large population of survivors impairments in the function of one or more organs may persist for a long time, a phenomenon commonly known as post COVID or long COVID. Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, such as concentration problems, short-term memory deficits, general memory loss, a specific decline in attention, language and praxis abilities, encoding and verbal fluency, impairment of executive functions, and psychomotor coordination, are amongst the most common and debilitating features of neuropsychatric symptoms of post COVID syndrome. Several patients also suffer from compromised sleep, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients with long COVID may demonstrate brain hypometabolism, hypoperfusion of the cerebral cortex and changes in the brain structure and functional connectivity. Children and adolescents represent a minority of COVID-19 cases, so not surprisingly data on the long-term sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infections in these age groups are scarce. Although the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, epidemiology, and risk factors of the acute phase of COVID-19 have been largely explained, these areas are yet to be explored in long COVID. This review aims to provide an update on what is currently known about long COVID effects on mental health.
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