Exploring the Influence of Preexisting Conditions and Infection Factors on Pediatric Long COVID Symptoms and Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: Pediatric postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 or “long COVID” is a multisystemic disease with a wide range of symptoms more than 4 wks after initial infection. This study explores the quality of life in children with long COVID and how preexisting conditions affect symptoms and quality of life. Design: A retrospective single-center study of 97 patients was completed to analyze PedsQL quality of life in pediatric patients with long COVID and associations between preexisting conditions, long COVID symptoms, and PedsQL scores. Results: Children with long COVID had significantly lower quality of life compared with previously published normative samples (PedsQL Core: P < 0.001; Fatigue: P < 0.001; Family Impact: P < 0.001). Number of long COVID symptoms, age, and preexisting history of depression, allergies, and developmental delay affected the overall fatigue PedsQL scores. Preexisting mood disorders were associated with a higher prevalence of worsening mental health symptoms (anxiety, P = 0.01; depression, P = 0.04), dizziness/lightheadedness/vertigo (P = 0.02), and change in appetite (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Long COVID has a significant impact on the quality of life of children and their families. Children with long COVID can benefit from multidisciplinary care addressing fatigue, mental health, and family coping.