Uncovering Pediatric Long COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences globally, and the immediate and short-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been well described. Although most individuals recover, many endure longer-lasting effects, referred to as long COVID, post-COVID condition, or postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). PASC is composed of a heterogeneous collection of symptoms and conditions that can affect virtually any organ system, with common manifestations including fatigue, cough, malaise, and pain. Those at increased risk for long COVID include females, those hospitalized due to acute COVID-19, and individuals with underlying comorbidities. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the underlying pathophysiology, which is likely multifactorial, including immune dysregulation, autoimmunity and immune printing, microvascular clotting with endothelial dysfunction, and impaired neurological signaling.