The study on post effects of COVID-19 has reported discovery that found the first pediatric case of vocal cord paralysis following COVID-19 infection in a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection with an acute onset shortness of breath. The study, conducted in the US at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, described the situation as “highly unusual”.
The patient in this case was a 15-year-old girl, previously healthy but with a history of asthma and anxiety. An endoscopic examination revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis, indicating immobility of both vocal cords in the larynx. The researchers suggest that this paralysis may be a consequence of the viral infection, adding to the list of established nervous system-related complications observed in both children and adults.
The patient underwent various diagnostic tests during her hospital stay, including blood work, imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and consultations with specialists. Despite attempts with speech therapy, the girl continued to face breathing difficulties, leading to a tracheostomy to address the issue. Strikingly, she remained dependent on the tracheostomy for more than 13 months, challenging the assumption that this type of nerve complication might be temporary.
While such complications have been reported in adults with COVID-19, the researchers stress the importance of awareness in the pediatric community for effective treatment of children. Senior author Christopher Hartnick emphasized the need for broader awareness of the potential long-term neurotrophic effects of COVID-19 in children.