Characterisation and Management of Children and Young People Referred to a Paediatric Tertiary Post-COVID Service.

Abstract

Purpose: Post-COVID condition (PCC) emerged following the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and required rapid service development to manage affected patients. This evaluation describes the demographics, medical background, management and six-month outcomes of children and young people with PCC-related symptoms referred to one specialist tertiary service between June 2020 and August 2022.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from referral information and medical notes.

Results: 176 patients (61% female) aged 6-18 years were referred, with a mean 8.2 PCC-related symptoms impacting on functioning (97%) and school attendance (86%). 10% patients had an autistic spectrum disorder diagnosis, above the ∼2% national prevalence, while rates of atopy and mental health were similar to national prevalence. 59% patients were managed in specialist tertiary clinics by clinicians with input from allied health professionals. At 6 month review, 40/73 patients reported improvement in their daily functioning, with 30/73 reporting no change and 3/73 reporting functional deterioration. School attendance increased over 6 months for 43/67 patients, with 12/67 reporting no change and 4/67 reporting reduced school attendance.

Discussion: Patients referred for PCC-related specialist input have significant functional impairment and challenges accessing education. More than half of those seen in specialist clinics showed functional improvement and increased school attendance over 6 months, while a subgroup had persistent symptoms. This suggests that the service model is beneficial for this complex patient group overall, although needs to be resourced for longer input for some. Further work is needed to understand the variability in presentation and symptom course.