Characteristics of post COVID-19 condition in children after mild COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. Post COVID-19 condition in children causes variety of persistent symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive problems, muscle pain and can affect different aspects of patient’s life. Aim. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized pediatric patients one year after infection. Material and methods. This is a single center case-control study including children and young people (COVID-19 as cases and other acute respiratory infections as controls). A survey using ISARIC Global COVID-19 paediatric follow-up questionnaire was conducted by a pediatrician in person or via telephone interview one year after infection. Post COVID-19 condition was defined using WHO case definition. Results and discussion. 206 cases and 176 controls were analyzed. The mean ages of cases and controls were 8.8 years and 8.4 years accordingly, with 55% and 50% being females. The most frequent persistent symptoms in cases at 1 year were loss of taste – 8.7% [5.3%; 13.1%], fatigue – 8.7% [4.9%; 13.1%], chest pain – 4.9% [1.9%; 7.8%], headache – 2.4% [1.0%; 4.9%], tingling – 2.4% [0.5%; 4.9%]. Controls had similar persistent symptoms, but cases had significantly higher rates of sensory disturbances (taste/smell alterations) and fatigue. There were no statistically significant differences between other groups of symptoms found. Prevalence of post COVID-19 condition in cases group was 1.5% [0.0%; 3.4%]. Conclusion. Prevalence of post COVID-19 condition in children one year after mild infection is low. However, compared to other respiratory infections, COVID-19 may cause persistent taste/smell disturbances and fatigue.