Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized children: findings from an Italian single-center study

• Main Authors: Valeria Calcaterra (Author), Veronica Maria Tagi (Author), Enza D'Auria (Author), Alessia Lai (Author), Sara Zanelli (Author), Chiara Montanari (Author), Elia Maria Biganzoli (Author), Giuseppe Marano (Author), Elisa Borghi (Author), Valentina Massa (Author), Agostino Riva (Author), Gianvincenzo Zuccotti (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/s13052-024-01596-y; 1824-7288
• Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Infection; COVID; Long COVID; Long-term effects; Hospitalized; Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Italian Journal of Pediatrics, Vol 50, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)

Abstract Background Limited evidence exists regarding the association between COVID-19 and Long COVID manifestations in children, particularly concerning variants of concern (VOCs). We aimed to characterize a cohort of pediatric patients hospitalized with confirmed acute SARS-CoV-2 and monitor them for Long COVID symptoms. Additionally, it seeks to explore any potential correlations between VOCs and clinical symptoms. Methods We conducted a prospective study involving children hospitalized from November 2021 to March 2023, with confirmed acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. A telephone survey was conducted at 3-6-12 months after discharge. Results We included 167 patients (77 F/90 M). Upon hospital admission, 95.5% of patients presented as symptomatic. Regarding patients for whom it was feasible to determine the SARS-CoV-2 variant (n = 51), the Delta variant was identified in 11 children (21.6%) and Omicron variant in the remaining 40 patients (78.4%: 27.5% BA.1 variant; 15% BA.2 variant; 57.5% BA.5 variant). 19 patients (16.5%) reported experiencing at least one symptom indicative of Long COVID (weight loss 31.6%, inappetence 26.3%, chronic cough 21.1%, fatigue 21.1%, and sleep disturbances, wheezing, abdominal pain and mood disorders 15.8%). In only 4 patients with Long COVID we could identified a specific SARS-CoV-2 variant (3 Omicron: 2 BA.1 and 1 BA.2; 1 Delta). Conclusions this study underscores that long COVID is a significant concern in the pediatric population. Our data reinforce the importance of continuously monitoring the impact of long-COVID in infants, children, and adolescents. A follow-up following SARS-CoV-2 infection is therefore advisable, with symptom investigation tailored to the patient's age.