COVID-19 and intracranial hypertension in the pediatric population: A systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the published evidence pertaining to reports of raised intracranial pressures following a COVID infection in those under the age of 18, to establish whether there is a link between COVID-19 and intracranial hypertension in the paediatric population. A systematic search of published reports was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. 7 papers met the eligibility criteria, involving a total of 10 patients. Patients were aged between 6-15, and all showed objective features of raised intracranial pressure and had evidence of current or recent COVID-19 infection. Raised intracranial pressure was demonstrated through objective measures such as raised opening pressures on lumbar puncture or papilloedema on ophthalmoscopy, and the presence of COVID-19 infection was evidenced through PCR or serology results. Raised intracranial pressure was not attributable to another cause, suggesting a link between raised intracranial pressure and concurrent COVID-19 infection in the paediatric population.