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Review
. 2024 May 6;12(5):95.
doi: 10.3390/diseases12050095.

Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach

Valeria Calcaterra  1   2 , Sara Zanelli  2 , Andrea Foppiani  3   4 , Elvira Verduci  2   5 , Beatrice Benatti  6   7 , Roberto Bollina  8 , Francesco Bombaci  9 , Antonio Brucato  10 , Selene Cammarata  11 , Elisa Calabrò  10 , Giovanna Cirnigliaro  7 , Silvia Della Torre  8 , Bernardo Dell'osso  6   7   12   13 , Chiara Moltrasio  14 , Angelo Valerio Marzano  14   15 , Chiara Nostro  7 , Maurizio Romagnuolo  14   15 , Lucia Trotta  10 , Valeria Savasi  11   16 , Valeria Smiroldo  8 , Gianvincenzo Zuccotti  2   16
Affiliations
Review

Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach

Valeria Calcaterra et al. Diseases. .

Abstract

Long COVID affects both children and adults, including subjects who experienced severe, mild, or even asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in both children and adults, encompassing vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and oncological patients. Our objective is to emphasize the critical significance of adopting an integrated approach for the early detection and appropriate management of long COVID. The incidence and severity of long COVID symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and the course of disease in the case of pre-existing pathologies. Particularly, in fragile and vulnerable patients, the presence of PASC is related to significantly worse survival, independent from pre-existing vulnerabilities and treatment. It is important try to achieve an early recognition and management. Various mechanisms are implicated, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Understanding the specific mechanisms and risk factors involved in long COVID is crucial for tailoring effective interventions and support strategies. Management approaches involve comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and treatment of symptoms and comorbidities, such as autonomic dysfunction, as well as multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The overall course of long COVID is one of gradual improvement, with recovery observed in the majority, though not all, of patients. As the research on long-COVID continues to evolve, ongoing studies are likely to shed more light on the intricate relationship between chronic diseases, such as oncological status, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; adults; children; integrated approach; long COVID; oncological; post-COVID-19 syndrome; pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Long COVID symptoms in adults and children (created with Biorender https://www.biorender.com, accessed on 12 March 2024).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flowchart of the selection process for studies and relevant articles considered.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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