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

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.

Post-Covid-19 condition (Long Covid) in children and young people 12 months after infection or reinfection with the Omicron variant: a prospective observational study

“…Systematic reviews have identified over two-hundred symptoms associated with PCC in CYP, including headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue and cough 4 , 5 . However, research into the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 has been challenging for a number of reasons.…”

“People don’t have the answers”: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of young people with Long COVID

“…Current prevalence estimates of Long COVID in young people vary greatly, ranging from 1-70% ( Asadi-Pooya et al, 2021 ; Hahn et al, 2023 ; Pellegrino et al, 2022 ), in part reflecting the diagnostic challenges associated with the condition. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prevalence of these enduring symptoms suggest the condition is complex with multisystemic symptoms including fatigue, headaches, brain fog, post exertional malaise and shortness of breath ( Behnood et al, 2022 , 2023 ; Jiang et al, 2023 ; Lopez-Leon et al, 2022 ). However, the trajectory of the condition is not clear as symptoms fluctuate and may relapse over time ( Ziauddeen et al, 2022 ).…”