Top 5 Takeaways
- Higher Risk for Specific Conditions: Children and adolescents with previous COVID-19 showed higher rates of acute pulmonary embolism, myocarditis and cardiomyopathy, venous thromboembolic event, acute and unspecified renal failure, and type 1 diabetes compared to those without previous COVID-19.
- Importance of COVID-19 Prevention: The study emphasizes the critical role of COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccination for all eligible individuals aged ≥6 months, to mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its subsequent health implications in the 0–17 age group.
- Comprehensive Data Analysis: Using a large medical claims database, the CDC assessed nine potential post-COVID symptoms and 15 conditions among over 781,419 children and adolescents with COVID-19, compared to over 2.3 million without.
- Less Likely for Other Symptoms: Patients with COVID-19 were less likely than those without to experience respiratory signs and symptoms, symptoms of mental conditions, muscle disorders, neurological conditions, anxiety and fear-related disorders, mood disorders, and sleeping disorders.
- Sensitivity Analysis Findings: A sensitivity analysis involving patients without prior symptoms or conditions of interest showed that both groups were healthier at baseline, with some differences in the incidence rates and statistical significance of conditions between the main and sensitivity analyses.
Original Article Author and Citation
Corresponding Author
Lyudmyla Kompaniyets, opt4@cdc.gov
Suggested Citation
Kompaniyets L, Bull-Otterson L, Boehmer TK, et al. Post–COVID-19 Symptoms and Conditions Among Children and Adolescents — United States, March 1, 2020–January 31, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:993–999. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7131a3.
Summary
This analysis revealed an increased incidence of several serious conditions among children and adolescents following COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the necessity of preventive measures including vaccination. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset to compare the health outcomes of those with and without a history of COVID-19, highlighting an increased risk for specific conditions but a decreased likelihood of experiencing other common symptoms.
Methods
The CDC’s analysis involved a comparative study using medical claims and laboratory data of children and adolescents with and without COVID-19, adjusting for various demographic and health variables to assess the incidence of post-COVID symptoms and conditions.
Discussion
Findings suggest that post-COVID conditions such as acute pulmonary embolism and myocarditis are more prevalent in children and adolescents with a history of COVID-19, though some commonly observed symptoms in the general population were less likely in this group. This underscores the unique impact of COVID-19 on younger individuals and the importance of targeted prevention strategies.
Conclusion
The study highlights the critical need for ongoing COVID-19 prevention and vaccination efforts among children and adolescents to mitigate the risk of post-COVID conditions, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
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