Persistent symptoms are associated with long term effects of COVID-19 among children and young people: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies
by Sanaz Behnood, Fiona Newlands, Lauren O’Mahoney, Mahta Haghighat Ghahfarokhi, Mohammed Z. Muhid, Jake Dudley, Terence Stephenson, Shamez N. Ladhani, Sophie Bennett, Russell M. Viner, Rowan Bhopal, Paige Kolasinska, Roz Shafran, Olivia V. Swann, Andrea Takeda
BackgroundResearch on the long-term impact on COVID-19 in children and young people (CYP) has been published at pace. We aimed to update and refine an earlier systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for Post-COVID-19 Condition in CYP.
MethodsStudies from the previous systematic review were combined with studies from a systematic search from July 2021 to November 2022 (registration PROSPERO CRD42021233153). Eligible studies included CYP aged ≤19 years with confirmed or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms persisting at least 12 weeks.
Findings55 studies (n = 1,139,299 participants) were included. Over two-hundred symptoms were associated with Post COVID-19 Condition. Gastrointestinal problems, headaches, cough and fever were among the most prevalent symptoms with rates of 50.2%, 35.6%, 34.7% and 25.8% respectively. Twenty-one symptoms from 11 studies were suitable for meta-analysis. There were significantly higher pooled estimates of proportions of symptoms for altered / loss of smell or taste, dyspnoea, fatigue, and myalgia in CYP with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Heterogeneity was high suggesting substantial variation amongst the included studies.
ConclusionsMany CYP continue to experience symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Efforts to aid early identification and intervention of those most in need is warranted and the consequences of COVID-19 for CYP call for long-term follow-up.