A Review of Post Covid Syndrome Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation and Management in Children and Young people

Educational Aims:

The reader will come to appreciate:

Our current understanding of what Post Covid Syndrome (PCS) represents.

The presentation and assessment of children and young people (CYP) with PCS

Management strategies to address symptoms and their impact on functioning.

Future Directions for Research:

To establish key pathophysiological mechanisms and possible targeted pharmacological treatment for PCS symptomatology

To understand the association of PCS with other conditions including neurodevelopmental conditions, hypermobility, and autonomic dysfunction.

To examine the link between PCS and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and whether research from PCS patients offers insights for ME/CFS and other post viral conditions.

Summary

Post Covid Syndrome (PCS) is a complex multi-system disorder with a spectrum of presentations. Severity ranges from mild to very severe with variable duration of illness and recovery. This paper discusses the difficulties defining and describing PCS. We review the current understanding of PCS, epidemiology, and predisposing factors. We consider potential mechanisms including viral persistence, clotting dysfunction and immunity. We review presentation and diagnosis and finally consider management strategies including addressing symptom burden, rehabilitation, and novel therapies.