Long-Term Effect of COVID-19 on Lung Imaging and Function, Cardiorespiratory Symptoms, Fatigue, Exercise Capacity, and Functional Capacity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND

The long-term sequela of COVID-19 on young people is still unknown. This systematic review explored the effect of COVID-19 on lung imaging and function, cardiorespiratory symptoms, fatigue, exercise capacity and functional capacity in children and adolescents ≥ 3 months after infection.

METHODS

A systemic search was completed in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Ovid MEDLINE on 27 May 2022. Data on the proportion of participants who had long-term effects were collected, and one-group meta-analysis were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of the outcomes studied.

RESULTS

17 articles met the inclusion criteria, presented data on 124,568 children and adolescents. The pooled prevalence of abnormalities in lung imaging was 10% (95% CI 1-19, I2 = 73%), abnormal pulmonary function was 24% (95% CI 4-43, I2 = 90%), chest pain/tightness was 6% (95% CI 3-8, I2 = 100%), heart rhythm disturbances/palpitations was 6% (95% CI 4-7, I2 = 98%), dyspnea/breathing problems was 16% (95% CI 14-19, I2 = 99%), and fatigue was 24% (95% CI 20-27, I2 = 100%). Decreased exercise capacity and functional limitations were found in 20% (95% CI 4-37, I2 = 88%) and 48% (95% CI 25-70, I2 = 91%) of the participants studied, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents may have persistent abnormalities in lung imaging and function, cardiorespiratory symptoms, fatigue, and decreased functional capacity between 3 to 12 months after infection. More research is needed to understand the long-term effect of COVID-19 on young people, and to clarify its causes and effective management.