Understanding Long COVID in Children

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous studies have shown a link between infection and the development of complications afterward, known as Long COVID. Those with Long COVID experience a wide range of symptoms, and research indicates an increased risk of autoimmune disease. However, the impact on children is less clear. A recent paper published in eClinicalMedicine, titled “Characteristics and Predictors of Long COVID in Children: A 3-Year Prospective Cohort Study,” addresses this issue.

In this study, researchers conducted a 3-year follow-up on children aged 0-18 who had confirmed cases of COVID-19. They were monitored for the development of Long COVID and autoimmune diseases following infection. The researchers found that children do develop Long COVID, with higher risks among those with comorbidities, those infected with original variants, and females. The study also identified an association between Long COVID and the development of autoimmune diseases. Vaccination provided a protective effect in reducing the risk of Long COVID, though the level of protection varied by the number of doses and the age group. In general, three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were associated with a lower risk in most groups, particularly in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.

This study demonstrates that children are affected by Long COVID, with some remaining symptomatic 36 months after their initial infection. These findings underscore the need for further research to better prevent and treat Long COVID in children.

Citation:

Camporesi, A., Morello, R., La Rocca, A., Zampino, G., Vezzulli, F., Munblit, D., Raffaelli, F., Valentini, P., & Buonsenso, D. (2024). Characteristics and predictors of long covid in children: A 3-year prospective Cohort Study. eClinicalMedicine, 76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102815