Heading

A recent study conducted at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma evaluated whether and how the risk of long Covid can vary based on sex and age differences. Among the pediatric population, the results seem to highlight a higher risk of symptom persistence during adolescence.

The Study

The scientists examined data from two different studies on adult and pediatric subjects with Sars-CoV-2 infection. During the observation period, 62% of children and 85% of adults reported at least one symptom suggestive of long Covid three months after the Covid-19 diagnosis. More than one symptom was reported by 28% of children and 71% of adults. Specifically, 34% of children and 64% of adults reported persistent symptoms beyond three months.

Most Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms reported in children were respiratory (36%), neurological (27%), fatigue (20%), and gastrointestinal (19%). In adults, the most common symptoms were neurological (66%), fatigue (64%), musculoskeletal pain (63%), and respiratory (57%). The analysis of the time to the first report of post-Covid-19 symptoms showed that females of any age did not have a significantly higher risk compared to males. Similarly, no difference was observed between age groups. Notable differences between the two sexes by age group were found: the cumulative incidence rate at three months of any post-Covid-19 symptom was higher for females compared to males in the 12 to 50 age range, while it appeared lower below the age of 6/7 years.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of gender as a risk factor for long Covid, but only in specific age groups. In particular, the high risk found in women aged 12 to 50 underscores the need to further investigate the role of sex hormones in inflammatory/immune and autoimmune processes. Considering these differences in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Covid is a crucial step towards precision medicine.

1. Long COVID: 3 years in
   This article from The Lancet discusses the ongoing impact of long COVID, its prevalence, symptoms, and the need for further research and healthcare strategies.
   The Lancet, March 11, 2023 .
2. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches
   This review article outlines various aspects of long COVID, including its symptoms, underlying mechanisms, and potential therapeutic approaches.
   Gheorghita R., et al. (2024). PMC10944866. .
3. Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Condition: Past, Present and Future Research Directions
   This paper reviews the current understanding of long COVID, its risk factors, and future research directions needed to address this condition.
   Fernández-de-las-Peñas C., et al. (2023). PMC10745830. .
4. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations
   This article provides an overview of the findings related to long COVID, including its symptoms, affected populations, and recommendations for future research.
   Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2022. .
5. The global clinical studies of long COVID
   This study assesses the trend of global clinical studies on long COVID and highlights the distribution of outcomes in these trials.
   International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2024. .
6. Long-COVID Prevalence and Its Association with Health Outcomes in the Post-Vaccine and Antiviral-Availability Era
   This observational study explores the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in a vaccinated population and their association with various health outcomes.
   Jangnin R., et al. (2024). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(5), 1208. .
7. Long COVID and Significant Activity Limitation Among Adults, by Age — United States
   This report from the CDC examines the prevalence of long COVID among U.S. adults and its implications for public health practice.
   Ford N.D., et al. (2023). MMWR Weekly, 72(32);866–870. .
8. Sex, age and existing health problems increase risk of long COVID
   This research discusses demographic factors influencing the risk of developing long COVID based on a combination of multiple studies in the UK.
   Published by NIHR on June 29, 2022. .