Risk factors for post-COVID-19 condition (Long Covid) in children: a prospective cohort study
Abstract
Summary Background Adults and children can develop post-Covid-19 condition (PCC) (also referred to as Long Covid). However, existing evidence is scarce, partly due to a lack of a standardised case definition, short follow up duration, and heterogenous study designs, resulting in wide variation of reported outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to characterise risk factors for PCC and longitudinal rates of recovery in a cohort of children and young people using a standardised protocol. Methods We performed a prospective “disease-based” cohort study between 01/02/2020 to 31/10/2022 including children aged 0–18 years old, with a previous diagnosis of Covid-19. Children with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, were invited for an in-clinic follow-up assessment at a paediatric post-covid clinic in Rome, Italy, at serial intervals (3-, 6-, 12- and 18-months post-onset). PCC was defined as persistence of otherwise unexplained symptoms for at least three months after initial infection. The statistical association between categorical variables was obtained by Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariable logistic regressions are presented using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method. Findings 1243 children were included, median age: 7.5 (4–10.3) years old; 575 (46.3%) were females. Of these, 23% (294/1243) were diagnosed with PCC at three months post-onset. Among the study…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,243 participants or records.
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