PC2085: Long-haul COVID in Pediatric Patients: The Northern NJ Experience

Background: It is estimated that anywhere between 5- 20% of children with COVID-19 illness may experience long haul symptoms; many of which are several months out from an initial mild or asymptomatic infection. This study aims to review clinical presentation of long haul COVID in children in Northern NJ.

Methods: This is a retrospective medical record review of pediatric patients seen at Cooperman Barnabas Pediatric Post- COVID-19 clinic between January 2020 to September 2021.

Results: Preliminary data involves review of medical records of 46 patients seen in the pediatric post-COVID clinic. Out of the 46 patients, 19 (41%) had symptoms for more than 4 weeks post initial diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 infection, with 22% experiencing more than 4 symptoms involving various organ systems. Of the 46 patients, 26 (57%) were male and 20 (43%) were female. Age distribution was as follows: 16-21 years (41%), 11-15 years (31%), 6-10 years (15%), and 1-5 years (13%). Of our population, 48% identified as White (non-Hispanic/Latino, Hispanic/Latino, or not stated), 15% identified as Black or African-American, and 28% were other/declined. Fatigue (33%), psychological symptoms (30%), and shortness of breath (26%) were the most common symptoms experienced. Amongst those who experienced psychological symptoms, anxiety (21%) and depression (14%) were the most common. Other symptoms included headache (17%,), cough (17%), myalgia (17%), chest pain (15%), decreased appetite (15%), abdominal discomfort (13), brain fog (11%), palpitations (11%) and dizziness (11%). A smaller proportion of our patients experienced loss of smell and taste and insomnia. Amongst our patients, those who had initial hospitalization for MIS-C (13; 28%), 77% experienced long-haul symptoms greater than 4 weeks out from initial diagnosis.

Conclusion: According to our data, pediatric patients experience similar symptoms to adult patients like fatigue, psychological symptoms, and shortness of breath. It is unclear what predisposes certain children to COVID-long haul, and more research is needed to explore the impact of long-haul on long term functioning of children.