250. Clinical Disease in Pediatric Long Covid

Abstract

Abstract Background Even weeks and months after initial infection, full recovery from a Covid-19 infection is elusive for some pediatric patients. Long Covid is now recognized as a chronic condition with a constellation of lingering health problems. As the long term sequala of Covid-19 continue to become apparent, it is imperative to study this emerging disease in the pediatric population. Methods The University of Minnesota Pediatric Covid Clinic has been receiving referrals since April 2020. The clinic is participating in a national registry (PIDTRAN-6_Covid-19), facilitating IRB approved collection of anonymized clinical data from children diagnosed with Long Covid syndrome. Results We have identified 47 children (female 28, male 19) who were diagnosed with Long Covid at the University of Minnesota Covid Clinic. The majority were previously healthy (40) and the average age was 14.7 years (4-18yr). Acute symptomatic infection preceded the diagnosis in 41 children and 6 children were asymptomatic. Common symptoms reported by the patients included: fatigue (35), dizziness and/or lightheadedness and/or palpitation (16), abnormal taste/smell (15), headache (14), difficulty concentrating/focusing [brain fog] (13), myalgia/arthralgia (15), dyspnea (12), abdominal pain (10), and sleep disturbance (6). Clinical Symptoms of Long Covid The nine most common clinical symptoms of Long Covid are shown in the chart above with the numbers corresponding to the number of patients who reported experiencing each symptom. Demographics of Long Covid The above graphic depicts the demographics of patients seen at the University of Minnesota Pediatric Long Covid Clinic. Conclusion Pediatric populations, like adult populations, have patients who suffer from the lingering health effects of what is now termed Long Covid. The majority of patients presenting with Long Covid are teenagers, with females being more commonly affected than males. These patients often suffer from fatigue and are experiencing a constellation of symptoms that are reminiscent of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and positional orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This suggests a post-viral autoimmune injury as the likely pathophysiology for Long Covid syndrome. Further population based studies are needed to better understand the extent and prevalence of this debilitating disease. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.