A groundbreaking study published in Pediatric Research has identified a unique molecular signature in children’s blood that may revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID in young people. Researchers at the Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS in Rome, Italy, have found patterns of inflammation similar to those in adults with the condition.
The lack of an accurate test for Long COVID in children has been a significant challenge, as the condition’s symptoms vary widely and can be difficult for kids to describe. However, the new study suggests that a blood-based diagnostic tool could be developed using AI-powered technology. The researchers tested 112 children and found eight specific inflammatory proteins that were consistently elevated in those with Long COVID.
These proteins, including CXCL11, CXCL1, and CXCL8, play crucial roles in inflammation and blood vessel formation, mirroring patterns previously seen in adult Long COVID patients. The discovery of these biomarkers could lead to the development of targeted therapies for the condition.
The study also found that children with Long COVID had high levels of a protein called FGF21, which is involved in energy metabolism and muscle function. This aligns with studies in adults demonstrating that fatigue is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Further research is needed to track how these blood markers change as children recover from Long COVID, but the findings offer promising hope for improved diagnostics and treatments for this condition.
Source: https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/long-covid-test-kids-may-be-possible-discovery-unique-blood-fingerprint