image: Results of multi-site retrospective cohort study of more than 650,000 children view more
Credit: Kristen Dancel-Manning, NYU Langone
Aurora, Colo. (Aug. 29, 2022) – A new study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RECOVER Pediatric Electronic Health Records (EHR) Cohort and authored by Suchitra Rao, MD, infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, found that the risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID, in children appears to be lower than what has been reported in adults. However, more children have long COVID than those kids who are hospitalized with acute COVID-19. The study is featured in JAMA Pediatrics.
“We concluded that many of the symptoms children experience post-COVID-19 are similar to what is seen in adults, but there are some features more unique to children, such as myocarditis, abnormal liver enzymes, hair loss, skin rashes and diarrhea,” said Rao. “There has been a critical need to understand the impact of COVID-19 in children both in the short as well as long-term. This is one of biggest studies we know of to explore what the post-acute sequelae look like in kids. Studies using electronic health record data are a great way to explore research questions that require further confirmation in longer term prospective studies.”
While the presentation has some overlap compared with adults, distinct features exist in children. The risk for PASC appears to be higher in children younger than five years of age, those with medical complexity and those admitted to the intensive care unit with their initial COVID-19 infection.
The exploratory study, “Syndromic, Systemic and Medication Features of Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and Adolescents: EHR-based Cohort Study from the RECOVER Program,” used electronic health record data from PEDSnet member institutions of 659,286 children tested for SARS-CoV-2 and compared 59,893 children who tested positive with those who tested negative.
The NIH RECOVER Pediatric EHR Cohort investigators conducted a multistate analysis using EHR data of children and people younger than 21 years of age who underwent testing for SARS-CoV-2 at one of eight pediatric health systems in the country between March 1, 2020, and Oct. 31, 2021. Clinicians identified conditions, symptoms and medications associated with PASC in the one to six months following testing. Out of 660,000 children who underwent testing, 9% were positive and most were tested as outpatients.
Symptoms most strongly associated with infection included changes in loss of smell and taste, hair loss, chest pain, abnormal liver enzymes, skin rashes, fever and chills, fatigue and malaise. Conditions most strongly associated with infection included myocarditis, acute respiratory distress and myositis. There was also a higher association with mental health treatment among children who tested positive for PASC compared with those who tested negative.
COVID-19 Resources:
- https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/coronavirus-covid19-resources-updates/
- https://www.childrenscolorado.org/health-professionals/coronavirus-professional-resources/
ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and recognized as a top 10 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association
Method of Research
Data/statistical analysis
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Clinical features and burden of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents
Article Publication Date
22-Aug-2022
COI Statement
Dr Rao has received grants from the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study as well as grants from Biofire and consulting fees from Sequiris outside the submitted work. Dr Lee has received grants from the National Institutes of Health RECOVER during the conduct of the study as well as personal fees from United Health Group outside the submitted work. Dr Mejias has received grants from the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study; grants from Janssen and Merck; and personal fees from Janssen, Sanofi-Pasteur, Merck, and AstraZeneca outside the submitted work. Dr Bailey has received grants from the National Institutes of Health and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute during the conduct of the study. Dr Jhaveri has received personal fees from AstraZeneca, Seqirus, Dynavax, and Elsevier outside the submitted work. Dr Bennett has received grants from the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study and grants from the National Institutes of Health outside the submitted work. Dr Forrest has received grants from the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study. No other disclosures were reported.