Post-COVID Symptoms in Children and Adolescents During the Omicron Era
Author Information
Author(s): Schlegtendal Anne, Maier Christoph, Stein Julien, Höpner Jakob, Petersmann Astrid, Drinka Denisa, Berner Reinhard, Lücke Thomas, Toepfner Nicole, Brinkmann Folke
Primary Institution: University Children´s Hospital, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Hypothesis
What are the symptoms associated with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome in children and adolescents during the Omicron era?
Conclusion
Children with and without previous infections did not differ in most post-COVID symptoms, except for physical performance and cognitive problems, which were more impaired after Omicron infection.
Supporting Evidence
- 64.9% of children in the COVID-19 group reported at least one PCS symptom.
- Concentration disorders were significantly more prevalent in the COVID-19 group (12.3% vs. 1.5%).
- Physical performance was significantly impaired in the COVID-19 group regardless of age, sex, and vaccination status.
- Quality of life ratings were similar between both groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at kids who had COVID-19 and those who didn't to see if they felt different afterward. Most kids felt the same, but those who had COVID-19 had more trouble with thinking and physical activities.
Methodology
A multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study comparing children with confirmed COVID-19 to a control group without infection.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to parents reporting symptoms on behalf of children and the possibility of families sensitive to PCS enrolling.
Limitations
The study had a retrospective design, a relatively small sample size, and relied on self-reported symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years, with a mix of genders and backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.012 for concentration disorders; p=0.016 for physical performance.
Confidence Interval
95% CI for concentration disorders: 9.1 (1.17…70.88); for physical performance: 3.08 (1.33…7.15)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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