Post-COVID syndrome prevalence and risk factors in children and adolescents: A population-based serological study

Abstract

Objectives Post-COVID syndrome remain poorly studied in children and adolescents. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of pediatric post-COVID in a population-based sample, stratifying by serological status. Study design We used data from the SEROCoV-KIDS cohort study (State of Geneva, Switzerland), which included children (aged 6 months to 17 years) selected from random samples drawn from state registries or who had a household member participating in a COVID-19 seroprevalence study conducted by our group. Children were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 N antibodies. Parents filled in a questionnaire on persistent symptoms in their children (lasting over 12 weeks) compatible with post-COVID syndrome. Results From December 1st, 2021 to February 16th, 2022, 1034 children were included, among whom 570 (55.1%) were seropositive. The sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of persistent symptoms among seropositive children was 9.1% (95%CI: 6.7;11.8) and 5.0% (95%CI: 3.0;7.1) among seronegatives, with an adjusted prevalence difference (ΔaPrev) of 4.1% (95%CI: 1.1;7.3). After stratification by age group, the prevalence was higher among adolescents aged 12-17 years (ΔaPrev=8.3%, 95%CI: 3.5;13.5) than among younger children (0.0%, 95%CI: -5.2;5.2 among 6-11 years old and 4.2%; 95%CI: -4.4;13.3 among 0-5 years old). The most frequently declared persistent symptoms among seropositives were smell loss, trouble concentrating and abdominal pain. Older age, having a chronic condition and lower socioeconomic conditions were identified as risk factors. Conclusion A significant proportion of seropositive children, particularly adolescents, experienced persistent symptoms. While there is a need for further investigation, growing evidence of pediatric post-COVID syndrome urges early screening and primary care management.

The Development of a Chatbot Technology to Disseminate Post–COVID-19 Information: Descriptive Implementation Study

“…Although the prevalence of symptoms decreased with time, 33% of patients still had symptoms at 12 months: 16% reported fatigue, 10% had a loss of taste or smell, 9% had persistent dyspnea, 10% had headaches, 9% had sleep disorders, 7% had difficulty concentrating, and 7% had myalgia. In young children and adolescents, studies have shown the persistence of symptoms beyond 3 months and potentially with long-term effects, especially in adolescents [ 6 , 8 ]. To date, there is little information about the long-term evolution and treatment options for post–COVID-19, and symptoms may persist for years in a percentage of patients, with a potential impact on daily life.…”

“…Post-COVID-19 is prevalent in 10%-30% of outpatient adult individuals [2,3] and can potentially transform into a chronic condition, with patients suffering from symptoms over months to years. Additionally, new studies have shown that children can suffer from post-COVID-19 as well [4][5][6][7][8], even though the prevalence is overall lower in the pediatric population and can vary between 2% and 9%. In Geneva, Switzerland, the CoviCare follow-up program is a longitudinal outpatient cohort established in March 2020 [9], following the long-term evolution of symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection and their impact on daily life.…”