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Review
. 2021 Dec 1;33(6):580-590.
doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001069.

Worldwide epidemiology of neuro-coronavirus disease in children: lessons for the next pandemic

Alicia M Alcamo  1   2   3 , Jennifer L McGuire  2   4   5 , Hari Krishnan Kanthimathinathan  6   7 , Juan David Roa  8 , Ericka L Fink  9   10
Affiliations
Review

Worldwide epidemiology of neuro-coronavirus disease in children: lessons for the next pandemic

Alicia M Alcamo et al. Curr Opin Pediatr. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has overwhelmed the global community, negatively impacting patient health and research efforts; associated neurological manifestations are a significant cause of morbidity. This review outlines the worldwide epidemiology of neurologic manifestations of different SARS-CoV-2 clinical pediatric phenotypes, including acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We discuss strategies to develop adaptive global research platforms for future investigation into emerging pediatric neurologic conditions.

Recent findings: Multicenter, multinational studies show that neurological manifestations of acute COVID-19, such as smell/taste disorders, headache, and stroke, are common in hospitalized adults (82%) and children (22%), associated with increased mortality in adults. Neurological manifestations of MIS-C are reported in up to 20% of children, including headache, irritability, and encephalopathy. Data on PASC are emerging and include fatigue, cognitive changes, and headache. Reports of neurological manifestations in each phenotype are limited by lack of pediatric-informed case definitions, common data elements, and resources.

Summary: Coordinated, well resourced, multinational investigation into SARS-CoV-2-related neurological manifestations in children is critical to rapid identification of global and region-specific risk factors, and developing treatment and mitigation strategies for the current pandemic and future health neurologic emergencies.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Timeline of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; EUA, emergency use authorization; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Adapted from ‘Timeline (8 Segments, Vertical)’, by BioRender.com (2020).
Box 1
Box 1
no caption available
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Preparing for the Next Pandemic. Adapted from ‘Global Presence (World Map)’, by BioRender.com (2020).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Publication types

Supplementary concepts