Neurological complications in children with COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background: Many studies suggest a mild course of COVID-19 infection in children. Severe complications with nervous system involvement associated with thrombotic and neurodestructive phenomena are reported. The aims of the study were to analyze the type of neurological complications associated with COVID-19 infection in children and to establish any age-related correlations. Material and methods: A group of 67 children diagnosed with SARS-CoV2 was analyzed. The nervous system involvement was assessed by various diagnostic methods, such as EEG, CT and / or brain MRI, psychological counseling. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis. Results: Nonspecific neurological complications were registered in 40 cases (53.7%). They included headache – 35%, myalgias – 22.5%, anosmia – 17.5%, behavioral disorders – 12.5%, neurotic anorexia – 7.5%, mental disorders – 5%. Specific neurological complications were registered in 27 cases (46.3%), out of which: leukoencephalitis – 25.9%, Status epilepticus – 14.8%, toxic encephalopathy – 14.8%, cerebellitis – 11%, stroke – 11%, polyradiculoneuropathy – 7.4% , uncontrolled epilepsy – 7.4%, inferior flaccid monoplegia – 1 case (3.7%), transverse cervical myelitis – 1 case. Combined pathologies (leukoencephalitis with mixed stroke and venous sinus thrombosis, impaired vision) were registered in 3 cases. Severe cases were predominantly found in young children – 19 (28.4%). Severe neurological consequences were registered in 17 children (25.4%). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV 2 virus affects the CNS in children and can sometimes begin with isolated CNS lesions. Young children are at higher risk of developing seizures, encephalopathy and other severe complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies on COVID-19 infection are needed to elucidate the frequency of infection and disease forms in children population.