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Calcaterra V, Zanelli S, Foppiani A, Verduci E, Benatti B, Bollina R, Bombaci F, Brucato A, Cammarata S, Calabrò E, Cirnigliaro G, Della Torre S, Dell’osso B, Moltrasio C, Marzano AV, Nostro C, Romagnuolo M, Trotta L, Savasi V, Smiroldo V, Zuccotti G. Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach. Diseases 2024; 12:95. [PMID: 38785750 PMCID: PMC11120262 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050095] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID affects both children and adults, including subjects who experienced severe, mild, or even asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in both children and adults, encompassing vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and oncological patients. Our objective is to emphasize the critical significance of adopting an integrated approach for the early detection and appropriate management of long COVID. The incidence and severity of long COVID symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and the course of disease in the case of pre-existing pathologies. Particularly, in fragile and vulnerable patients, the presence of PASC is related to significantly worse survival, independent from pre-existing vulnerabilities and treatment. It is important try to achieve an early recognition and management. Various mechanisms are implicated, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Understanding the specific mechanisms and risk factors involved in long COVID is crucial for tailoring effective interventions and support strategies. Management approaches involve comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and treatment of symptoms and comorbidities, such as autonomic dysfunction, as well as multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The overall course of long COVID is one of gradual improvement, with recovery observed in the majority, though not all, of patients. As the research on long-COVID continues to evolve, ongoing studies are likely to shed more light on the intricate relationship between chronic diseases, such as oncological status, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Università degli Sudi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Sara Zanelli
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrea Foppiani
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status and the Development of Dietary Intervention Strategies (ICANS-DIS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy;
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition Unit, 20145 Milano, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (B.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Roberto Bollina
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesco Bombaci
- Department of Radiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy;
| | - Antonio Brucato
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Selene Cammarata
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (V.S.)
| | - Elisa Calabrò
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Giovanna Cirnigliaro
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Silvia Della Torre
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Bernardo Dell’osso
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (B.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Centro per lo Studio dei Meccanismi Molecolari alla Base delle Patologie Neuro-Psico-Geriatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Nostro
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Maurizio Romagnuolo
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Trotta
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Valeria Savasi
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Smiroldo
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Chepo M, Martin S, Déom N, Khalid AF, Vindrola-Padros C. Twitter Analysis of Health Care Workers' Sentiment and Discourse Regarding Post-COVID-19 Condition in Children and Young People: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e50139. [PMID: 38630514 PMCID: PMC11063881 DOI: 10.2196/50139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, with millions of cases and deaths. Research highlights the persistence of symptoms over time (post-COVID-19 condition), a situation of particular concern in children and young people with symptoms. Social media such as Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X) could provide valuable information on the impact of the post-COVID-19 condition on this demographic. OBJECTIVE With a social media analysis of the discourse surrounding the prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people, we aimed to explore the perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) concerning post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom between January 2021 and January 2022. This will allow us to contribute to the emerging knowledge on post-COVID-19 condition and identify critical areas and future directions for researchers and policy makers. METHODS From a pragmatic paradigm, we used a mixed methods approach. Through discourse, keyword, sentiment, and image analyses, using Pulsar and InfraNodus, we analyzed the discourse about the experience of post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom shared on Twitter between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022, from a sample of HCWs with Twitter accounts whose biography identifies them as HCWs. RESULTS We obtained 300,000 tweets, out of which (after filtering for relevant tweets) we performed an in-depth qualitative sample analysis of 2588 tweets. The HCWs were responsive to announcements issued by the authorities regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. The most frequent sentiment expressed was negative. The main themes were uncertainty about the future, policies and regulations, managing and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people, vaccination, using Twitter to share scientific literature and management strategies, and clinical and personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS The perceptions described on Twitter by HCWs concerning the presence of the post-COVID-19 condition in children and young people appear to be a relevant and timely issue and responsive to the declarations and guidelines issued by health authorities over time. We recommend further support and training strategies for health workers and school staff regarding the manifestations and treatment of children and young people with post-COVID-19 condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Chepo
- School of Nursing, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sam Martin
- Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Noémie Déom
- Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Firas Khalid
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health System Impact Fellowship, Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Otawa, ON, Canada
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Gheorghita R, Soldanescu I, Lobiuc A, Caliman Sturdza OA, Filip R, Constantinescu – Bercu A, Dimian M, Mangul S, Covasa M. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344086. [PMID: 38500880 PMCID: PMC10944866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Gheorghita
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Iuliana Soldanescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Olga Adriana Caliman Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Roxana Filip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Adela Constantinescu – Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Hemostasis Research Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Computer, Electronics and Automation, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA, United States
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Cui YX, Du JB, Jin HF. Insights into postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after COVID-19 in pediatric patients. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:201-207. [PMID: 38363488 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xi Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No.1 Xi-an Men Street, West District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jun-Bao Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No.1 Xi-an Men Street, West District, Beijing 100034, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hong-Fang Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No.1 Xi-an Men Street, West District, Beijing 100034, China.
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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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Indolfi C, Klain A, Dinardo G, D’Addio E, Ferrara S, Decimo F, Ciprandi G, Tosca MA, Miraglia del Giudice M. COVID-19 Pediatric Follow-Up: Respiratory Long COVID-Associated Comorbidities and Lung Ultrasound Alterations in a Cohort of Italian Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:166. [PMID: 38397278 PMCID: PMC10887372 DOI: 10.3390/children11020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In children, the factors that influence COVID-19 disease and its medium- and long-term effects are little known. Our investigation sought to evaluate the presence of comorbidity factors associated with respiratory long COVID manifestations in children and to study ultrasound abnormalities following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children, who arrived at the 'Respiratory Diseases of Pediatric Interest Unit' at the Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery of the University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', were selected during the timeframe from September 2021 to October 2022. The children were diagnosed with a SARS-CoV-2 infection that occurred at least one month before the visit. All patients followed a COVID-19 follow-up protocol, developed by the Italian Society of Pediatric Respiratory Diseases (SIMRI), which included: collection of data regarding SARS-CoV-2 illness and history of known respiratory and allergic diseases; physical examination; BMI assessment; baseline spirometry and after bronchodilation test; six-minute walking test; and lung ultrasound (LUS). In a cohort of 104 participants with respiratory long COVID symptoms (64.7% male, average age 8.92 years), 46.1% had fever with other symptoms, and 1% required hospitalization. BMI analysis showed 58.4% of the cohort was overweight. The LUS was positive in 27.0% of cases. A significant BMI association was observed with COVID-19 symptoms and LUS score (p-value < 0.05). No associations were found with asthma or atopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Angela Klain
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Elisabetta D’Addio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Serena Ferrara
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Fabio Decimo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
| | - Giorgio Ciprandi
- Department of Medicine, Allergy Clinic, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, 16145 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Maria Angela Tosca
- Pediatric Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Michele Miraglia del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (G.D.); (E.D.); (S.F.); (F.D.); (M.M.d.G.)
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Ha EK, Kim JH, Han MY. Long COVID in children and adolescents: prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management strategies. Clin Exp Pediatr 2023; 66:465-474. [PMID: 37350170 PMCID: PMC10626026 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2023.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Long coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, has been defined as signs and symptoms which persist for 4 weeks or even lasting for 6 months after the initial infection. Although the prevalence of long COVID in children is currently unknown, epidemiological investigations have reported cases in pediatric populations. Clinical manifestations of long COVID in children include respiratory symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, as well as neuropsychiatric and general conditions, including fatigue, headache, and muscle weakness. The pathophysiology of long COVID in children is still being investigated, but potential mechanisms include viral persistence, autoimmunity, and neuroinflammation. Risk factors for long COVID in children are not yet well understood, but studies have suggested that children with a history of severe acute COVID-19 infection or comorbidities may be at increased risk. Evaluation for respiratory symptoms of long COVID in children is essential, including spirometry and imaging studies to assess lung function and any potential damage. Furthermore, long COVID in children has been associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems than in adults, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing these aspects in pediatric patients. Although our understanding of long COVID in children and adolescents is still evolving, it is clear that the condition can have significant impacts on their health and well-being. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of long COVID in children and adolescents, and to discuss potential management strategies based on existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyo Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Hee Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Man Yong Han
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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Bozzola E, Caffarelli C, Santamaria F, Corsello G. Year 2022: exploring COVID-19 pandemic in children. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:128. [PMID: 37770981 PMCID: PMC10540415 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01536-2] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemics is rapidly changing. In this article, we review progresses published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2022. More data on clinical pictures, prevention strategies and active management in children have been provided. The continued evolution of knowledge has driven transformations in the clinical approach to the disease and allowed key advancements in the care of children with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bozzola
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Clinica Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Santamaria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corsello
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Alshalani A, Alotaibi BA, Aldali JA, AlSudais H, Almuqrin AM, Alshehri NA, Alamar NB, Alhejji MA. Paediatric COVID-19 Outcomes: Haematology Parameters, Mortality Rates, and Hospitalization Duration. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1615. [PMID: 37892279 PMCID: PMC10605890 DOI: 10.3390/children10101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems around the globe, necessitating extensive research into the variables that affect patient outcomes. This study examines the relationships between key haematology parameters, duration of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality rates in COVID-19 cases in paediatric patients. Researchers analyse relationships between independent variables (COVID-19 status, age, sex) and dependent variables (mortality, LOS, coagulation parameters, WBC count, RBC parameters) using multivariate regression models. Although the R-square values (0.6-3.7%) indicate limited explanatory power, coefficients with statistical significance establish the impact of independent variables on outcomes. Age emerges as a crucial predictor of mortality; the mortality rate decreases by 1.768% per age group. Both COVID-19 status and age have an inverse relationship with length of stay, emphasising the milder hospitalisation of children. Platelet counts decline with age and male gender, potentially revealing the influence of COVID-19 on haematological markers. There are significant correlations between COVID-19 status, age, gender and coagulation measures. Lower prothrombin time and D-dimer concentrations in elder COVID-19 patients are indicative of distinct coagulation profiles. WBC and RBC parameters exhibit correlations with variables: COVID-19-positive patients have lower WBC counts, whereas male COVID-19-positive patients have higher RBC counts. In addition, correlations exist between independent variables and the red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. However, there is no correlation between mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and outcomes, indicating complex interactions between haematological markers and outcomes. In essence, this study underlines the importance of age in COVID-19 mortality, provides novel insights into platelet counts, and emphasises the complexity of the relationships between haematological parameters and disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Alshalani
- Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia (A.M.A.)
| | - Badi A. Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jehad A. Aldali
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamood AlSudais
- Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia (A.M.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz M. Almuqrin
- Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia (A.M.A.)
| | - Nasser A. Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser B. Alamar
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mogtba A. Alhejji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
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Esposito S, Deolmi M, Ramundo G, Puntoni M, Caminiti C, Principi N. True prevalence of long COVID in children: a narrative review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1225952. [PMID: 37789860 PMCID: PMC10543413 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1225952] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrary to what is true for adults, little is known about pediatric long COVID (LC). Studies enrolling children are relatively few and extremely heterogeneous. This does not allow to draw definitive conclusions on the frequency and pathogenesis of pediatric LC and limits the development of appropriate and effective measures to contain the clinical, social and economic impact of this condition on the pediatric population. Depending on the methods used to collect and analyze data, studies have found that the incidence rate of pediatric LC may vary from about 25% to less than 5%. However, despite true prevalence of pediatric LC cannot be exactly defined, studies comparing children with previous COVID-19 and uninfected controls have shown that most of the clinical manifestations detected in infected children, mainly mood symptoms, mental health disorders and heart abnormalities could be diagnosed with similar frequency and severity in uninfected subjects also. This seems to indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of pediatric LC only in a part of children and other factors play a relevant role in this regard. Pandemic itself with the persistent disruption of child lives may have caused persistent stress in all the pediatric population causing mood symptoms, mental health disorders or several organ and body system functional alterations, regardless SARS-CoV-2 infection. These suppositions suggest the need for long-term physical control of all the children after COVID-19 especially when they were already suffering from an underlying disease or have had a severe disease. Moreover, attention should be paid to the assessment of change in children's emotional and behavioral functioning in order to assure adequate interventions for the best emotional and behavioral well being. However, whatever its origin, it seems highly likely that the prevalence of the pediatric LC is set to decline in the future. Preliminary observations seem to suggest that recently developed SARS-CoV-2 variants are associated with less severe COVID-19. This suggests that, as already seen in adults, a lower number of pediatric virus-associated LC cases should occur. Furthermore, the use of COVID-19 vaccines, reducing incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, may reduce risk of LC development. Finally, elimination of restrictive measures should significantly reduce mood symptoms and mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michela Deolmi
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Greta Ramundo
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Puntoni
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Caterina Caminiti
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
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11
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Mammas IN, Drysdale SB, Charalampous C, Koletsi P, Papatheodoropoulou A, Koutsaftiki C, Sergentanis T, Merakou K, Kornarou H, Papaioannou G, Kramvis A, Greenough A, Theodoridou M, Spandidos DA. Navigating paediatric virology through the COVID‑19 era (Review). Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:83. [PMID: 37503745 PMCID: PMC10555476 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review article presents the key messages of the 8th Workshop on Paediatric Virology organised virtually by the Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea in Greece. The major topics covered during the workshop were the following: i) New advances in antiviral agents and vaccines against cytomegalovirus; ii) hantavirus nephropathy in children; iii) human rhinovirus infections in children requiring paediatric intensive care; iv) complications and management of human adenovirus infections; v) challenges of post‑coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) syndrome in children and adolescents; and vi) foetal magnetic resonance imaging in viral infections involving the central nervous system. The COVID‑19 era requires a more intensive, strategic, global scientific effort in the clinic and in the laboratory, focusing on the diagnosis, management and prevention of viral infections in neonates and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis N. Mammas
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- First Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens
- Paediatric Clinic, Aliveri, 34500 Island of Euboea, Greece
| | - Simon B. Drysdale
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE
- Department of Paediatrics, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | | | - Patra Koletsi
- Department of Paediatrics, 'Penteli' Children's Hospital, 15236 Palaia Penteli
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), 'Penteli' Children's Hospital, 15236 Palaia Penteli
| | | | - Chryssie Koutsaftiki
- COVID-19 Reference Centre, 'Rafina' Health Care Centre, 19009 Rafina
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Theodoros Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Helen Kornarou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Georgia Papaioannou
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, 'Mitera' Children's Hospital, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne Greenough
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, King's College London, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Maria Theodoridou
- First Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
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12
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Gallegos M, Morgan ML, Burgos-Videla C, Caycho-Rodríguez T, Martino P, Cervigni M. The impact of long Covid on people's capacity to work. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:801-804. [PMID: 37253159 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary addresses the post-COVID-19 syndrome and its implications for workers' health. Post-COVID-19 syndrome consists of a set of physiological and psychological symptoms resulting from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, which occur continuously for several weeks or months. Therefore, it is an affectation that has multiple consequences for the recovery of people's health, and compromises the ability to perform daily activities, including work, whether in person or remotely. Although several studies have been published so far, and several long-term consequences on people's health have been demonstrated, most have not adequately delved into the implications for the health of workers, their families, and the socioeconomic cost for governments. The aim of this paper is to highlight this public health issue and to encourage more specialized research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gallegos
- Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melissa L Morgan
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | | | | | - Pablo Martino
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Chen EY, Burton JM, Johnston A, Morrow AK, Yonts AB, Malone LA. Considerations in Children and Adolescents Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2023; 34:643-655. [PMID: 37419537 PMCID: PMC10063573 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or "long COVID" are a complex multisystemic disease that affects children's physical, social, and mental health. PASC has a variable presentation, time course, and severity and can affect children even with mild or asymptomatic acute COVID-19 symptoms. Screening for PASC in children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important for early detection and intervention. A multifaceted treatment approach and utilization of multidisciplinary care, if available, are beneficial in managing the complexities of PASC. Lifestyle interventions, physical rehabilitation, and mental health management are important treatment approaches to improve pediatric PASC patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Y Chen
- Johns Hopkins School Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Justin M Burton
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Alicia Johnston
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amanda K Morrow
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alexandra B Yonts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Laura A Malone
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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14
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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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15
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Makarov I, Mayrina S, Makarova T, Karonova T, Starshinova A, Kudlay D, Mitrofanova L. Morphological Changes in the Myocardium of Patients with Post-Acute Coronavirus Syndrome: A Study of Endomyocardial Biopsies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2212. [PMID: 37443606 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestation study of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) has shown a lack of knowledge regarding its morphology and pathogenesis. The aim of this research was to investigate morphological manifestations of PASC in the myocardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 38 patients requiring endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) during the post-acute phase of coronavirus infection and a control group including patients requiring EMB prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The patients' clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the myocardial tissue was conducted with antibodies to CD3, CD68, HLA-DR, MHC1, C1q, VP1 enteroviruses, spike protein SARS-CoV-2, Ang1, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and VEGF. The morphometric analysis included counting the mean number of inflammatory infiltrate cells per mm2 and evaluating the expression of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, HLA-DR, MHC1, C1q, Ang1, VWF, and VEGF using a scoring system. If the expression of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was >3 points, an additional IHC test with antibodies to ACE2, CD16 as well as RT-PCR testing of the myocardial tissue were performed. For two patients, immunofluorescence tests of the myocardial tissue were performed using antibody cocktails to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein/CD16, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein/CD68, CD80/CD163. The statistical data analysis was carried out using the Python programming language and libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. RESULTS The study demonstrated a significant increase in the number of CD68+ macrophages in the myocardium of PASC patients compared to patients who did not have a history of COVID-19 (p = 0.014 and p = 0.007 for patients with and without myocarditis, respectively), predominantly due to M2 macrophages. An increase in the number of CD68+ macrophages was more frequently observed in patients with shorter intervals between the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and the time of performing the EMB (r = -0.33 and r = -0.61 for patients with and without myocarditis, respectively). The expression scores of Ang1, VEGF, VWF, and C1q in PASC patients did not significantly differ from those in EMB samples taken before 2019. CONCLUSION The myocardium of PASC patients demonstrated a significant increase in the number of CD68+ macrophages and a decrease in the expression of markers associated with angiopathy. No evidence of coronavirus-associated myocarditis was observed in any PASC patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Makarov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sofya Mayrina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Taiana Makarova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Karonova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Starshinova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kudlay
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Immunology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov Mitrofanova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
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16
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Esposito S, Amirthalingam G, Bassetti M, Blasi F, De Rosa FG, Halasa NB, Hung I, Osterhaus A, Tan T, Torres JP, Vena A, Principi N. Monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and therapy of respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus, rabies and bacterial infections: an update from the World Association of Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders and the Italian Society of Antinfective Therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162342. [PMID: 37256125 PMCID: PMC10226646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162342] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) are safe and effective proteins produced in laboratory that may be used to target a single epitope of a highly conserved protein of a virus or a bacterial pathogen. For this purpose, the epitope is selected among those that play the major role as targets for prevention of infection or tissue damage. In this paper, characteristics of the most important mABs that have been licensed and used or are in advanced stages of development for use in prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases are discussed. We showed that a great number of mABs effective against virus or bacterial infections have been developed, although only in a small number of cases these are licensed for use in clinical practice and have reached the market. Although some examples of therapeutic efficacy have been shown, not unlike more traditional antiviral or antibacterial treatments, their efficacy is significantly greater in prophylaxis or early post-exposure treatment. Although in many cases the use of vaccines is more effective and cost-effective than that of mABs, for many infectious diseases no vaccines have yet been developed and licensed. Furthermore, in emergency situations, like in epidemics or pandemics, the availability of mABs can be an attractive adjunct to our armament to reduce the impact. Finally, the availability of mABs against bacteria can be an important alternative, when multidrug-resistant strains are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gayatri Amirthalingam
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Natasha B. Halasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ivan Hung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tina Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Juan Pablo Torres
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Facultad de Medicina, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Sistemas Complejos de Ingeniería (ISCI), Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonio Vena
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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17
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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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18
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Votto M, Castagnoli R, Marseglia GL, Licari A, Brambilla I. COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases: is there a connection? Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 23:185-192. [PMID: 36728317 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes current evidence on the potential link between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and autoimmunity. RECENT FINDINGS Several viral infections are potential triggers of reactive and autoimmune diseases by inducing type II and type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Recent evidence demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection is not an exception, triggering the production of tissue-specific autoantibodies during the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and leading to autoimmune diseases development as long-term complication. The significant immune dysregulation with cytokine storm and organ damage observed in patients with severe to critical COVID-19 is considered the main mechanism explaining the high levels of autoantibodies, which are also implicated in disease severity and the need for an intensive care assessment. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an immune-mediated disease where the recent viral infection leads to systemic inflammation, as already observed in other reactive and autoimmune diseases. SUMMARY Autoimmunity may be a complication of SAR-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune manifestations in COVID-19 might help prevent the incidence or exacerbation of autoimmune disorders and design better and more efficient treatment strategies in children and adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Votto
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia
| | - Riccardo Castagnoli
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amelia Licari
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Brambilla
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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19
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Knowledge on Parental Hesitancy toward COVID-19 Vaccination of Children 5–11 Years Old. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030587. [PMID: 36992171 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vaccines are the safest and the most effective measure to prevent disease, disability, and death from various pediatric infectious diseases, parental vaccine hesitancy is a common and increasing phenomenon worldwide. To contribute to improving our knowledge on parental willingness and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccine administration in children aged 5–11 years, an anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated in Italy after the COVID-19 vaccine’s authorization for this age group. An online survey was conducted using the Crowd Signal platform from 15 December 2021 to 15 January 2022 in Italy among parents of children 5–11 years old. A total of 3433 questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, a “Favorable” position was observed in 1459 (42.5%) parents, a “Doubtful” one in 1223 (35.6%) and a “Hesitant/Reluctant” one in 751 (21.9%). The univariate multinomial logistic regression analysis and the multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the Hesitant/Reluctant parents were younger than 40 years of age, mostly female, with a secondary or middle school degree, an annual income below EUR 28,000, more than one child in the age range from 5 to 11 years, an underestimated consideration of the severity of COVID-19’s effects, and concern regarding the COVID-19 vaccines in general. These results show that in Italy, most parents of children aged 5 to 11 were doubtful or hesitant/reluctant to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 virus. Poor trust in health institutions as well as poor consideration of the epidemiological and clinical relevance of COVID-19 in children seem to have played the biggest roles in forming these attitudes. Moreover, the negative attitude of several parents who previously agreed to immunize their children against other childhood illnesses according to the official national pediatric immunization schedule clearly indicates that only the COVID-19 vaccine was put in doubt or rejected. All these findings lead us to conclude that to improve COVID-19 vaccination coverage in children aged 5 to 11, health authorities should increase parental education on the true clinical relevance of COVID-19 and on the importance of its prevention to hinder the evolution of the pandemic in pediatric subjects and the emergence of new variants, and its relative weight in influencing the efficacy of vaccines.
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Goretzki SC, Brasseler M, Dogan B, Hühne T, Bernard D, Schönecker A, Steindor M, Gangfuß A, Della Marina A, Felderhoff-Müser U, Dohna-Schwake C, Bruns N. High Prevalence of Alternative Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents with Suspected Long COVID-A Single Center Cohort Study. Viruses 2023; 15:579. [PMID: 36851793 PMCID: PMC9961131 DOI: 10.3390/v15020579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID (LC) is a diagnosis that requires exclusion of alternative somatic and mental diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of differential diagnoses in suspected pediatric LC patients and assess whether adult LC symptom clusters are applicable to pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pediatric presentations at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital Essen (Germany) were assessed retrospectively. The correlation of initial symptoms and final diagnoses (LC versus other diseases or unclarified) was assessed. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of adult LC symptom clusters were calculated. RESULTS Of 110 patients, 32 (29%) suffered from LC, 52 (47%) were diagnosed with alternative somatic/mental diseases, and 26 (23%) remained unclarified. Combined neurological and respiratory clusters displayed a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.91-1.00) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (0.92-1.00) for LC. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of alternative somatic and mental diseases in pediatric patients with suspected LC is high. The range of underlying diseases is wide, including chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions. Neurological and respiratory symptom clusters may help to identify patients that are unlikely to be suffering from LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Goretzki
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Maire Brasseler
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Burcin Dogan
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Hühne
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Bernard
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Schönecker
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mathis Steindor
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Gangfuß
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Adela Della Marina
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Müser
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nora Bruns
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Cavalcante TF, Lourenço CE, Ferreira JEDSM, Oliveira LR, Neto JC, Amaro JP, Moreira RP. Models of Support for Caregivers and Patients with the Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2563. [PMID: 36767926 PMCID: PMC9916224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2019, an outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), occurred in the city of Wuhan, China. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. In October 2021, with the advancement of the disease, the World Health Organization defined the post-COVID-19 condition. The post-COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2, usually 3 months after the onset of the disease. The chronicity of COVID-19 has increased the importance of recognizing caregivers and their needs. METHODS We conducted a scoping review following international guidelines to map the models of support for caregivers and patients with the post-COVID-19 condition. The searches were conducted in electronic databases and the grey literature. The Population, Concept, and Context framework was used: Population: patients with the post-COVID-19 condition and caregivers; Concept: models of caregiver and patient support; and Context: post-COVID-19 condition. A total of 3258 records were identified through the electronic search, and 20 articles were included in the final sample. RESULTS The studies approached existing guidelines and health policies for post-COVID-19 condition patients and support services for patients and home caregivers such as telerehabilitation, multidisciplinary care, hybrid models of care, and follow-up services. Only one study specifically addressed the home caregivers of patients with this clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS The review indicates that strategies such as telerehabilitation are effective for training and monitoring the patient-family dyad, but the conditions of access and digital literacy must be considered.
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COVID-19 Heart Lesions in Children: Clinical, Diagnostic and Immunological Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021147. [PMID: 36674665 PMCID: PMC9866514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the beginning of COVID-19, the proportion of confirmed cases in the pediatric population was relatively small and there was an opinion that children often had a mild or asymptomatic course of infection. Our understanding of the immune response, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 is highly oriented towards the adult population. At the same time, despite the fact that COVID-19 in children usually occurs in a mild form, there is an incomplete understanding of the course as an acute infection and its subsequent manifestations such as Long-COVID-19 or Post-COVID-19, PASC in the pediatric population, correlations with comorbidities and immunological changes. In mild COVID-19 in childhood, some authors explain the absence of population decreasing T and B lymphocytes. Regardless of the patient's condition, they can have the second phase, related to the exacerbation of inflammation in the heart tissue even if the viral infection was completely eliminated-post infectious myocarditis. Mechanism of myocardial dysfunction development in MIS-C are not fully understood. It is known that various immunocompetent cells, including both resident inflammatory cells of peripheral tissues (for example macrophages, dendritic cells, resident memory T-lymphocytes and so on) and also circulating in the peripheral blood immune cells play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of myocarditis. It is expected that hyperproduction of interferons and the enhanced cytokine response of T cells 1 and 2 types contribute to dysfunction of the myocardium. However, the role of Th1 in the pathogenesis of myocarditis remains highly controversial. At the same time, the clinical manifestations and mechanisms of damage, including the heart, both against the background and after COVID-19, in children differ from adults. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether transient or persistent cardiac complications are associated with long-term adverse cardiac events.
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Giuliano M, Tiple D, Agostoni P, Armocida B, Biardi L, Bonfigli AR, Campana A, Ciardi M, Di Marco F, Floridia M, Gnerre P, Grassi T, Grattagliano I, Kruger P, Leonardi M, Liguori R, Pagani E, Perger E, Pricci F, Ruggeri M, Silenzi A, Spannella F, Tascini C, Teté G, Tosato M, Vecchi S, Villa M, Onder G. Italian good practice recommendations on management of persons with Long-COVID. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1122141. [PMID: 37151592 PMCID: PMC10157646 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1122141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant number of people, following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, report persistent symptoms or new symptoms that are sustained over time, often affecting different body systems. This condition, commonly referred to as Long-COVID, requires a complex clinical management. In Italy new health facilities specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and care of Long-COVID were implemented. However, the activity of these clinical centers is highly heterogeneous, with wide variation in the type of services provided, specialistic expertise and, ultimately, in the clinical care provided. Recommendations for a uniform management of Long-COVID were therefore needed. Professionals from different disciplines (including general practitioners, specialists in respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, internal medicine, geriatrics, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and odontostomatology) were invited to participate, together with a patient representative, in a multidisciplinary Panel appointed to draft Good Practices on clinical management of Long-COVID. The Panel, after extensive literature review, issued recommendations on 3 thematic areas: access to Long-COVID services, clinical evaluation, and organization of the services. The Panel highlighted the importance of providing integrated multidisciplinary care in the management of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and agreed that a multidisciplinary service, one-stop clinic approach could avoid multiple referrals and reduce the number of appointments. In areas where multidisciplinary services are not available, services may be provided through integrated and coordinated primary, community, rehabilitation and mental health services. Management should be adapted according to the patient's needs and should promptly address possible life-threatening complications. The present recommendations could provide guidance and support in standardizing the care provided to Long-COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giuliano
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marina Giuliano,
| | - Dorina Tiple
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Agostoni
- Heart Failure Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Armocida
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiano Di Marco
- Department of Health Sciences and Pneumology, University of Milan, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Floridia
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gnerre
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASL AL, Acqui Terme, Italy
| | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Grattagliano
- SIMG, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Kruger
- European Patients Academy for Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI), Rome, Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Perger
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Sleep Disorders Center, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Pricci
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Silenzi
- General Directorate for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Spannella
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carlo Tascini
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of Udine and Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Teté
- Department of Dentistry, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Tosato
- Department of Geriatrics and Othopedic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Vecchi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Villa
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Geriatrics and Othopedic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Mat Hassan N, Salim HS, Amaran S, Yunus NI, Yusof NA, Daud N, Fry D. Prevalence of mental health problems among children with long COVID: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282538. [PMID: 37195978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children with mental health problems has more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effect of long Covid on children's mental health is still debatable. Recognising long Covid as a risk factor for mental health problems in children will increase awareness and screening for mental health problems following COVID-19 infection, resulting in earlier intervention and lower morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proportion of mental health problems post-COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents, and to compare them with the population with no previous COVID-19 infection. METHODOLOGY A systematic search was done in seven databases using pre-defined search terms. Cross-sectional, cohort and interventional studies reporting the proportion of mental health problems among children with long COVID in the English language from 2019 to May 2022 were included. Selection of papers, extraction of data and quality assessment were done independently by two reviewers. Studies with satisfactory quality were included in meta-analysis using R and Revman software programmes. RESULTS The initial search retrieved 1848 studies. After screening, 13 studies were included in the quality assessments. Meta-analysis showed children who had previous COVID-19 infection had more than two times higher odds of having anxiety or depression, and 14% higher odds of having appetite problems, compared to children with no previous infection. The pooled prevalence of mental health problems among the population were as follows; anxiety: 9%(95% CI:1, 23), depression: 15%(95% CI:0.4, 47), concentration problems: 6%(95% CI: 3, 11), sleep problems: 9%(95% CI:5, 13), mood swings: 13% (95%CI:5, 23) and appetite loss: 5%(95% CI:1, 13). However, studies were heterogenous and lack data from low- and middle-income countries. CONCLUSION Anxiety, depression and appetite problems were significantly increased among post-COVID-19 infected children, compared to those without a previous infection, which may be attributed to long COVID. The findings underscore the importance of screening and early intervention of children post-COVID-19 infection at one month and between three to four months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurulhuda Mat Hassan
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Hani Syahida Salim
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Safiya Amaran
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Izza Yunus
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Azreen Yusof
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Norwati Daud
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Deborah Fry
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Aldè M, Di Berardino F, Ambrosetti U, Barozzi S, Piatti G, Zanetti D, Pignataro L, Cantarella G. Audiological and vestibular symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years. Am J Otolaryngol 2023; 44:103669. [PMID: 36283164 PMCID: PMC9583622 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study assessed the prevalence of audio-vestibular symptoms following SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination among children, comparing the two groups. A further aim was to evaluate whether children with pre-existing unilateral hearing loss were more prone to adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included children aged 5-11 years with normal hearing or a proven history of unilateral hearing loss who contracted SARS-CoV-2 or received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Tinnitus, hyperacusis, aural fullness, otalgia, otorrhea, new-onset hearing loss, vertigo and dizziness were investigated as possible complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS This study included 272 children (143 boys, 129 girls), with a mean age of 7.8 ± 2.3 years. Among these, 120 were affected by pre-existing unilateral hearing loss. The most common audio-vestibular symptoms reported by children following SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination were aural fullness (33/132, 25 %) and dizziness (5/140, 3.6 %), respectively. All symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination resolved within 24 h. Compared to children who received the COVID-19 vaccine, those infected with SARS-CoV-2 had a higher prevalence of tinnitus (p = 0.009), hyperacusis (p = 0.003), aural fullness (p < 0.001), otalgia (p < 0.001), otorrhea (p < 0.001), and vertigo (p = 0.006). Two girls also experienced new-onset unilateral sensorineural hearing loss following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children with a known history of unilateral hearing loss did not have a higher prevalence of audio-vestibular symptoms than children with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and can be recommended for children with unilateral hearing loss without fear of possible audio-vestibular sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Aldè
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Audiology Unit, Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Di Berardino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Audiology Unit, Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Umberto Ambrosetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefania Barozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gioia Piatti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan and Unit of Bronchopneumology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Diego Zanetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Audiology Unit, Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Pignataro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Cantarella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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A patient presenting with fever after graft loss: Answers. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:675-677. [PMID: 35699789 PMCID: PMC9194339 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Jamaica Balderas LMDC, Navarro Fernández A, Dragustinovis Garza SA, Orellana Jerves MI, Solís Figueroa WE, Koretzky SG, Márquez González H, Klünder Klünder M, Espinosa JG, Nieto Zermeño J, Villa Guillén M, Rosales Uribe RE, Olivar López V. Long COVID in children and adolescents: COVID-19 follow-up results in third-level pediatric hospital. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1016394. [PMID: 36793333 PMCID: PMC9922986 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1016394] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In children, the manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the acute phase are considered mild compared with those in adults; however, some children experience a severe disease that requires hospitalization. This study was designed to present the operation and follow-up results of the Post-COVID-19 Detection and Monitoring Sequels Clinic of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gómez in managing children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS This was a prospective study conducted from July 2020 to December 2021, which included 215 children aged 0-18 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction and/or immunoglobulin G test. The follow-up was conducted in the pulmonology medical consultation; ambulatory and hospitalized patients were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 9.02 years, and neurological, endocrinological, pulmonary, oncological, and cardiological comorbidities were the most commonly observed among the patients. Moreover, 32.6% of the children had persistent symptoms at 2 months, 9.3% at 4 months, and 2.3% at 6 months, including dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose; the main acute complications were severe pneumonia, coagulopathy, nosocomial infections, acute renal injury, cardiac dysfunction, and pulmonary fibrosis. The more representative sequelae were alopecia, radiculopathy, perniosis, psoriasis, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that children experience persistent symptoms, such as dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and runny nose, although to a lesser extent than adults, with significant clinical improvement 6 months after the acute infection. These results indicate the importance of monitoring children with COVID-19 through face-to-face consultations or telemedicine, with the objective of offering multidisciplinary and individualized care to preserve the health and quality of life of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amairani Navarro Fernández
- Department of Pulmonology, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - María Isabel Orellana Jerves
- Department of Pulmonology, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Solange Gabriela Koretzky
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Horacio Márquez González
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Miguel Klünder Klünder
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan Garduño Espinosa
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jaime Nieto Zermeño
- General Direction, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mónica Villa Guillén
- General Direction, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Rómulo Erick Rosales Uribe
- General Direction, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Victor Olivar López
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez Instituto Nacional de Salud, Mexico, Mexico
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Esposito S, Autore G, Argentiero A, Ramundo G, Perrone S, Principi N. Update on COVID-19 Therapy in Pediatric Age. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1512. [PMID: 36558963 PMCID: PMC9783267 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121512] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the extension of the COVID-19 pandemic, the large use of COVID-19 vaccines among adults and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants means that the epidemiology of COVID-19 in pediatrics, particularly among younger children, has substantially changed. The prevalence of pediatric COVID-19 significantly increased, several severe cases among children were reported, and long-COVID in pediatric age was frequently observed. The main aim of this paper is to discuss which types of treatment are presently available for pediatric patients with COVID-19, which of them are authorized for the first years of life, and which are the most important limitations of COVID-19 therapy in pediatric age. Four different antivirals, remdesivir (RVD), the combination nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid), molnupiravir (MPV), and the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab (BEB), are presently approved or authorized for emergency use for COVID-19 treatment by most of the national health authorities, although with limitations according to the clinical relevance of disease and patient's characteristics. Analyses in the literature show that MPV cannot be used in pediatric age for the risk of adverse events regarding bone growth. The other antivirals can be used, at least in older children, and RDV can be used in all children except in neonates. However, careful research on pharmacokinetic and clinical data specifically collected in neonates and children are urgently needed for the appropriate management of pediatric COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Autore
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Argentiero
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Greta Ramundo
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Neonatoloy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Goldstein Ferber S, Shoval G, Zalsman G, Weller A. Does COVID-19 related symptomatology indicate a transdiagnostic neuropsychiatric disorder? - Multidisciplinary implications. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1004-1015. [PMID: 36158308 PMCID: PMC9476837 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i8.1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical presentation that emerges from the extensive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mental health literature suggests high correlations among many conventional psychiatric diagnoses. Arguments against the use of multiple comorbidities for a single patient have been published long before the pandemic. Concurrently, diagnostic recommendations for use of transdiagnostic considerations for improved treatment have been also published in recent years. In this review, we pose the question of whether a transdiagnostic mental health disease, including psychiatric and neuropsychiatric symptomology, has emerged since the onset of the pandemic. There are many attempts to identify a syndrome related to the pandemic, but none of the validated scales is able to capture the entire psychiatric and neuropsychiatric clinical presentation in infected and non-infected individuals. These scales also only marginally touch the issue of etiology and prevalence. We suggest a working hypothesis termed Complex Stress Reaction Syndrome (CSRS) representing a global psychiatric reaction to the pandemic situation in the general population (Type A) and a neuropsychiatric reaction in infected individuals (Type B) which relates to neurocognitive and psychiatric features which are part (excluding systemic and metabolic dysfunctions) of the syndrome termed in the literature as long COVID. We base our propositions on multidisciplinary scientific data regarding mental health during the global pandemic situation and the effects of viral infection reviewed from Google Scholar and PubMed between February 1, 2022 and March 10, 2022. Search in-clusion criteria were “mental health”, “COVID-19” and “Long COVID”, English language and human studies only. We suggest that this more comprehensive way of understanding COVID-19 complex mental health reactions may promote better prevention and treatment and serve to guide implementation of recommended administrative regulations that were recently published by the World Psychiatric Association. This review may serve as a call for an international investigation of our working hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5317000, Israel
| | - Gal Shoval
- Department of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Neuroscience, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Department of Psychiatry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5317000, Israel
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Hydroxytyrosol Recovers SARS-CoV-2-PLpro-Dependent Impairment of Interferon Related Genes in Polarized Human Airway, Intestinal and Liver Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081466. [PMID: 36009185 PMCID: PMC9404978 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused approximately 6.3 million deaths, mainly due to the acute respiratory distress syndrome or multi-organ failure that characterizes COVID-19 acute disease. Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long-COVID, is a condition characterized by a complex of symptoms that affects 10–20% of the individuals who have recovered from the infection. Scientific and clinical evidence demonstrates that long-COVID can develop in both adults and children. It has been hypothesized that multi-organ effects of long-COVID could be associated with the persistence of virus RNA/proteins in host cells, but the real mechanism remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of the exogenous expression of the papain-like protease (PLpro) domain of the non-structural protein (NSP3) of SARS-CoV-2 in polarized human airway (Calu-3), intestinal (Caco-2), and liver (HepG2) epithelial cells, and to evaluate the ability of the natural antioxidant hydroxytyrosol (HXT) in neutralizing these effects. Our results demonstrated that PLpro was able to induce a cascade of inflammatory genes and proteins (mainly associated with the interferon pathway) and increase the apoptotic rate and expression of several oxidative stress markers in all evaluated epithelial cells. Noteably, the treatment with 10 μM HXT reverted PL-pro-dependent effects almost completely. This study provides the first evidence that SARS-CoV-2 PLpro remaining in host cells after viral clearance may contribute to the pathogenetic mechanisms of long-COVID. These effects may be counteracted by natural antioxidants. Further clinical and experimental studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
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Tarantino S, Graziano S, Carducci C, Giampaolo R, Grimaldi Capitello T. Cognitive Difficulties, Psychological Symptoms, and Long Lasting Somatic Complaints in Adolescents with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Telehealth Cross-Sectional Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12080969. [PMID: 35892410 PMCID: PMC9332506 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12080969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Few studies have evaluated cognitive functioning and mental health in children and adolescents who contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated the prevalence and association of neuropsychological difficulties, psychological symptoms, and self-reported long-COVID complaints in a sample of adolescents. Methods. Thirty-one adolescents infected by COVID-19 within 3–6 months prior to the assessment were included. Neuropsychological difficulties, psychological symptoms, and self-reported long-COVID complaints were evaluated using a checklist and a battery of multiple standardized measures, using a telehealth procedure. Symptoms during the infection were also detected. Results. We included 31 adolescents (23 girls, 8 boys; mean age 14.1, SD = 2). We found borderline scores in 32.3% and 45.2% of our sample for phonemic and category fluency, respectively. A high percentage of participants showed symptoms of depression (80.6%) and anxiety (61.3%). Fifty-eight percent reported at least one long-COVID symptom. The most common symptoms were headache and attention problems (58%). Subjects presenting numbness/weakness, fatigue, brain fog, or attention problems had higher scores in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. This is a pilot study limited by the lack of control group. However, we found that cognitive, psychological, and physical symptoms were very common among adolescents recovered from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuela Tarantino
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.); (T.G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0668592228
| | - Sonia Graziano
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.); (T.G.C.)
| | - Chiara Carducci
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.); (T.G.C.)
| | - Rosaria Giampaolo
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Teresa Grimaldi Capitello
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.); (T.G.C.)
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32
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Asadi‐Pooya AA, Nemati M, Nemati H. 'Long COVID': Symptom persistence in children hospitalised for COVID-19. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:1836-1840. [PMID: 35851732 PMCID: PMC9349535 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to describe the long-term outcome with respect to symptom persistence amongst children hospitalised for COVID-19. METHODS This was a follow-up study of 58 children and adolescents hospitalised with COVID-19. For all patients, the data were collected in a phone call to the family in December 2021 (9 months after the initial study and more than 13 months after their admission to hospital). We inquired about their current health status and obtained information, if the responding parent consented orally to participate and answer the questions. RESULTS Fifty-one children and adolescents were studied. Only five patients (10%) had persistent symptoms compatible with long-COVID; the reported symptoms include fatigue in four (8%), weakness in three (6%), exercise intolerance in two (4%) and shortness of breath in two (4%) patients. Four patients (7.8%), who did not have any symptoms of long-COVID in phase 1 of the study, reported new-onset symptoms or complaints that are potentially compatible with the diagnosis of long-COVID (weakness, myalgia, excess sputum, cough, fatigue) in the current phase. CONCLUSIONS Symptom persistence of long-COVID is infrequent amongst children hospitalised for COVID-19. Most of the symptoms of long-COVID will resolve with the passage of time and the residual symptoms are often mild and tolerable. The scientific community should carefully and clearly define long-COVID and its natural course in order to facilitate and harmonise future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi‐Pooya
- Epilepsy Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran,Department of NeurologyJefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUnited States
| | - Meshkat Nemati
- Epilepsy Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Hamid Nemati
- Epilepsy Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a long-term and persistent condition with clinical features similar to previous virulent outbreaks and other epidemics. Currently, post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is recognized as a new entity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Though its pathogenesis is not completely understood, persistent inflammation from acute illness and the development of autoimmunity play a critical role in its development. As the pandemic develops, the increasing latent and overt autoimmunity cases indicate that PCS is at the intersection of autoimmunity. AREAS COVERED The mechanisms involved in the emergence of PCS, their similarities with post-viral and post-care syndromes, its inclusion in the spectrum of autoimmunity and possible targets for its treatment. EXPERT OPINION An autoimmune phenomenon plays a major role in most causative theories explaining PCS. Due to the wide scope of symptoms and pathophysiology associated with PCS, there is a need for both PCS definition and classification criteria (including severity scores). Longitudinal and controlled studies are necessary to better understand this new entity, and to confirm that PCS is the chronic phase of COVID-19 as well as to find what additional factors participate into its development. With the high prevalence of COVID-19 cases worldwide, together with the current evidence on latent autoimmunity in PCS, we may observe an increase of autoimmune diseases (ADs) in the coming years. Vaccination's effect on the development of PCS and ADs will also receive attention in the future. Health and social care services need to develop a new framework to deal with PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Herrán
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Santiago Beltrán
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Manuel Rojas
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Doctoral Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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