Curr Opin Pediatr. 2023 Oct 1;35(5):585-589.doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001263. Epub 2023 May 31.

Claudia Riera-Canales ¹, Alejandro Llanos-Chea ²

Author information

¹University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Miami, Florida.

²University of Texas Southwestern, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This is an overview of the effects of COVID-19 in the gastrointestinal tract in children, and current evidence of the impact of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic liver disease, and disorders of the gut-brain interaction.

Recent findings: Children with COVID-19 have a milder course and more favorable outcomes than adults, even in those with immunosuppression due to IBD or liver transplantation. Children with chronic gastrointestinal conditions do not have worse clinical outcomes than healthy children and infection itself has not been linked to an increased incidence of conditions such as IBD and celiac disease, but results regarding post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome are mixed.

Summary: Research specific to pediatrics is needed, particularly in post-infectious disorders of the gut-brain interaction (PI-DGBIs) and long COVID-19. Data extrapolated from adult trials may not apply to children, as their clinical course is different. PI-DGBIs and long COVID-19 require special attention, as they represent a major morbidity burden in children.