COVID-19 in children and adolescents with neuroimmunological disorders: preliminary data

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: The understanding of COVID-19 impacts on children with neuroimmunological diseases remains limited. Moreover, despite the progress in vaccinating the pediatric population, the safety and efficacy of immunization agents in this specific group need to be more extensively investigated.

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations and impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination in the pediatric population with neuroimmunological disorders followed in a Brazilian specialized center.

Methods: It is a cross-sectional and retrospective evaluation of pediatric patients with neuroimmunological disorders, at any stage of the disease course, followed from January 2019 until March 2022. Data were collected from medical records and remote interview by telephone call after signed TCLE. Demographics, clinical and therapeutic features, COVID-19 pandemic aspects, suspected or confirmed COVID-19, laboratory and radiologic findings, vaccination details, and disease exacerbations were recorded. The research is under its way.

Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were identified as potential subjects. For now, medical records from 42 (36.5%) patients were revised, all of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most patients were female (68.3%) from mixed-ethnicity background (46.2%). Mean age at disease onset was 7.8 (±4.1) years. At last follow-up, the mean age at last follow-up was 12.3 (± 2.56) years and the final diagnosis was: multiple sclerosis (31.6%), myasthenia gravis(18.4%), opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia(21.1%), neuromyelitis spectrum disorders(7.9%), MOG-IgG associated disorder(5.3%), optic neuritis(5.3%), Guillain-Barre syndrome(2.6%), other diagnosis(7.9%). Mean age at last follow-up was 12.3 (± 2.56) years. Half of the patients had a relapsing course, and 12/35 (34.3%) of the patients relapsed during the pandemic period. Data on COVID19 infection was analyzed for 10 patients. Four (40%) had a confirmed COVID19 infection. Dyspnea was the most common symptom. One patient needed hospitalization. One patient reported worsening of previous neurologic symptom. There was no death. Vaccination data was analyzed for 7 patients, most vaccinated with Pfizer (71.4%). The only reported adverse event was pain in the injection site. Two parents reported hesitation on vaccines: fear of adverse events (50%) and fear of a new relapse.

Conclusion: We present the preliminary results of this ongoing research on COVID19 infection and vaccination on patients diagnosed with neuroimmunologic disorders of a tertiary center in Brazil.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2025