Impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a sample of mainly immunocompromised youth.

This study aimed to compare cardiopulmonary fitness and endothelial function 6 months after hospital diagnosis in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection versus noninfected controls. Youth (n = 30; age: 14 yr; 60% females) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 seen in a tertiary hospital of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex, and pre-existing diseases with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 30; age: 15 yr; 50% females). Cardiopulmonary fitness (by means of a cardiopulmonary exercise test: CPET) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (%b-FMD) were assessed 3-6 mo after diagnosis. Patients were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex and pre-existing diseases, if any, with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Compared with controls, patients with COVID-19 showed reduced ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak exercise time and minute ventilation/maximum voluntary ventilation (V̇e/MVV) (all P < 0.01). Brachial endothelial function variables were all adjusted for body surface area (BSA). Patients with COVID-19 had decreased %b-FMD (3.6 vs. 5.4; P = 0.03) mean and positive flow (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively) versus controls. Adjusted linear regression models exploring associations between CPET variables, %b-FMD and the potential predictors post-COVID-19 syndrome, number of symptoms, hospitalization, and COVID severity did not detect significant associations, except for total shear rate in hospitalization (coefficient: -65.07 [95%CI -119.5;-10.5], P = 0.02). Immunocompromised and previously healthy children and adolescents with COVID-19 presented with impaired exercise capacity and endothelial dysfunction when compared with their noninfected counterparts, but the mechanisms remain unknown.NEW & NOTEWORTHY COVID-19 appeared to impair recovery of exercise capacity and endothelial function in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients, but the mechanisms are unknown. These findings support the need for preventive measures against COVID-19 in this vulnerable population and suggest the necessity of proper monitoring and treatment for these patients.

Health-related quality of life and functionality in primary caregiver of surviving pediatric COVID-19.

Objectives: To prospectively assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), global functionality, and disability in primary caregivers of surviving children and adolescents after COVID-19. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was carried out on primary caregivers of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n = 51) and subjects without COVID-19 (n = 60). EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and 12-question WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) were answered for both groups. The univariate regression analysis was carried out using SPSS (v 20) and significance was established at 5%. Results: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis in children and adolescents and longitudinal follow-up visits was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). The median age of children and adolescents caregivers with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was similar to primary caregivers of subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 [43.2 (31.6-60.9) vs. 41.5 (21.6-54.8) years, p = 0.08], as well as similar female sex (p = 1.00), level of schooling (p = 0.11), social assistance program (p = 0.28), family income/month U$ (p = 0.25) and the number of household's members in the residence (p = 0.68). The frequency of slight to extreme problems (level ≥ 2) of the pain/discomfort domain according to EQ-5D-5L score was significantly higher in the former group [74% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.03, OR = 2.57 (1.14-5.96)]. The frequency of disability according to WHODAS 2.0 total score was similar to those without disability and unknown (p = 0.79); however, with a very high disability in both groups (72.5% and 78.3%). Further analysis of primary caregivers of children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) [n = 12/51 (23%)] compared to those without PCC [n = 39/51(77%)] revealed no differences between demographic data, EQ-5D-5L and WHODAS 2.0 scores in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We longitudinally demonstrated that pain/discomfort were predominantly reported in approximately 75% of primary caregiver of COVID-19 patients, with high disability in approximately three-quarters of both caregiver groups. These data emphasized the prospective and systematic caregiver burden evaluation relevance of pediatric COVID-19.

Food consumption based on processing level (according to Nova system) during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents with immunocompromised conditions: a case-control study.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts on eating habits among adolescents may be more relevant in pediatric patients with immunocompromised chronic diseases. This case-control study conducted between June and October 2020 aimed to: (i) describe dietary patterns of adolescents with chronic conditions compared to healthy controls and (ii) determine associations between food consumption, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (184 immunocompromised and 58 healthy adolescents, aged 14.3 [SD 2.5]) responded to HRQL and sleep validated instruments (PedsQL and PSQI) and three 24 h food recalls via online software. Adjusted linear and logistic regressions were used to assess differences in dietary patterns and associations between food consumption (according to Nova classification) and HRQL and sleep quality. Adolescents with gastrohepatic, rheumatic, and kidney diseases had an improved dietary pattern vs. their healthy peers, showing greater consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods (unstandardized coefficient (b) = 7.35%[95%CI 1.59; 13.1]; b = 15.10%[95%CI 7.00; 23.1]; and b = 11.2%[95%CI 5.68; 16.8]), and lower consumption of ultraprocessed foods (b = -7.53%[95%CI-12.90; -2.18]; b = -11.4%[95%CI-18.90; -3.94]; b = -10.8%[95%CI-16.00; -5.68]). Consumption of culinary ingredients was associated with reduced psychological HRQL in controls (standardized coefficient (ß) = -0.26[95%CI-0.52; -0.004]), and processed food consumption was associated with improved sleep latency in immunocompromised participants (ß = 0.16[95%CI 0.01; 0.31]). These findings suggest diet quality may play a role in HRQL and sleep quality in this population, and may be relevant for clinical practitioners and policy makers when considering the importance of dietary quality in immunocompromised youths.

Home-Based Exercise Training in the Recovery of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Case Series Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential therapeutic role of exercise on health-related quality of life, assessed by the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), coronary flow reserve (CFR), cardiac function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and inflammatory and cardiac blood markers in multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) patients. METHODS: This is a case series study of a 12-wk, home-based exercise intervention in children and adolescents after MIS-C diagnosis. From 16 MIS-C patients followed at our clinic, 6 were included (age: 7-16 years; 3 females). Three of them withdrew before the intervention and served as controls. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life, assessed PODCI. Secondary outcomes were CFR assessed by 13N-ammonia PET-CT imaging, cardiac function by echocardiography, cardiorespiratory fitness, and inflammatory and cardiac blood markers. RESULTS: In general, patients showed poor health-related quality of life, which seemed to be improved with exercise. Additionally, exercised patients showed improvements in coronary flow reserve, cardiac function, and aerobic conditioning. Non-exercised patients exhibited a slower pattern of recovery, particularly in relation to health-related quality of life and aerobic conditioning. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that exercise may play a therapeutic role in the treatment of post-discharge MIS-C patients. As our design does not allow inferring causality, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.

Emotional, hyperactivity and inattention problems in adolescents with immunocompromising chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with emotional changes and Hyperactivity/Inattention (HI) motivated by COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with immunocompromising diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 343 adolescents with immunocompromising diseases and 108 healthy adolescents. Online questionnaires were answered including socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and validated surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0). RESULTS: The frequencies of abnormal emotional SDQ scores from adolescents with chronic diseases were similar to those of healthy subjects (110/343 [32%] vs. 38/108 [35%], p = 0.548), as well as abnormal hyperactivity/inattention SDQ scores (79/343 [23%] vs. 29/108 [27%], p = 0.417). Logistic regression analysis of independent variables associated with abnormal emotional scores from adolescents with chronic diseases showed: female sex (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.76]; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 2.00‒7.05; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.08‒3.88; p = 0.028) and intrafamilial violence during pandemic (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.12‒4.19; p = 0.021) as independently associated with abnormal emotional scores, whereas total PedsQL score was inversely associated with abnormal emotional scores (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93‒0.96; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis associated with abnormal HI scores from patients evidenced that total PedsQL score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95‒0.99; p = 0.010], changes in medical appointments during the pandemic (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19-0.79; p = 0.021), and reliable COVID-19 information (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16‒0.77; p = 0.026) remained inversely associated with abnormal HI scores. CONCLUSION: The present study showed emotional and HI disturbances in adolescents with chronic immunosuppressive diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reinforces the need to promptly implement a longitudinal program to protect the mental health of adolescents with and without chronic illnesses during future pandemics.

Circulating sTREM-1 as a predictive biomarker of pediatric multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).

The exacerbation of the inflammatory response caused by SARS-CoV-2 in adults promotes the production of soluble mediators that could act as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19. Among the potential biomarkers, the soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (sTREM-1) has been described as a predictor of inflammation severity. The aim was to evaluate sTREM-1 and cytokine serum concentrations in pediatric patients during the acute and convalescent phases of COVID-19. This was a prospective study that included 53 children/adolescents with acute COVID-19 (Acute-CoV group); 54 who recovered from COVID-19 (Post-CoV group) and 54 controls (Control group). Preexisting chronic conditions were present in the three groups, which were defined as follows: immunological diseases, neurological disorders, and renal and hepatic failures. The three groups were matched by age, sex, and similar preexisting chronic conditions. No differences in sTREM-1 levels were detected among the groups or when the groups were separately analyzed by preexisting chronic conditions. However, sTREM-1 analysis in the seven multisystemic inflammatory syndrome children (MIS-C) within the Acute-Cov group showed that sTREM-1 concentrations were higher in MIS-C vs non-MIS-C acute patients. Then, the receiver operating curve analysis (ROC) performed with MIS-C acute patients revealed a significant AUC of 0.870, and the sTREM-1 cutoff value of > 5781 pg/mL yielded a sensitivity of 71.4 % and a specificity of 91.3 % for disease severity, and patients with sTREM-1 levels above this cutoff presented an elevated risk for MIS-C development in 22.85-fold (OR = 22.85 [95 % CI 1.64-317.5], p = 0.02). The cytokine analyses in the acute phase revealed that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations were elevated regardless of whether the patient developed MIS-C, and those levels decreased in the convalescent phase, even when compared with controls. Spearman correlation analysis generated positive indexes between sTREM-1 and IL-12 and TNF-α concentrations, only within the Acute-CoV group. Our findings revealed that sTREM-1 in pediatric patients has good predictive accuracy as an early screening tool for surveillance of MIS-C cases, even in patients with chronic underlying conditions.

Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental functioning in adolescents with disabilities in a sports nongovernmental organization / Impacto da COVID-19 no funcionamento físico e mental de adolescentes com deficiência em organização não governamental esportiva

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to assess physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) parameters in adolescents with physical disabilities enrolled in a sports nongovernmental organization (NGO) versus adolescents without disabilities during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 adolescents with disabilities and 86 adolescents without disabilities who responded to an online questionnaire with sociodemographic data and self-rated healthcare routine information during the COVID-19 quarantine. Validated self-report versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were also applied. Results: The median of emotional [4 (0-10) vs. 5 (0-10), p=0.018] and prosocial [7 (0-10) vs. 9 (3-10), p=0.006] problems was lower in adolescents with disabilities versus adolescents without disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities had significantly lower global function [68 (21-99) vs. 94 (67-100), p<0.001] and higher happiness scores in the PODCI scale [90 (65-100) vs. 80 (0-100), p=0.016] compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical activity/week (OR=1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.002) was higher in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. However, housework activities (OR=0.14; 95%CI 0.04-0.43, p=0.001) and screen time ≥3 h/day (OR=0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.38, p=0.001) were lower in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. Conclusion: Adolescents with disabilities attending a sports NGO were not at higher risk of adverse health-related indicators; despite showing reduced physical function, they reported more physical activity, higher happiness, and less screen time compared to adolescents without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os parâmetros de saúde física e mental, de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS), em adolescentes com deficiência física matriculados em organização não governamental (ONG) esportiva vs. em adolescentes sem deficiência, durante a pandemia da doença do coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 30 adolescentes com deficiência e 86 adolescentes sem deficiência que responderam a questionário online com dados sociodemográficos e informações de rotina de saúde autoavaliadas durante a quarentena da COVID-19. Versões validadas de autorrelato do Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) e Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) também foram aplicadas. Resultados: A mediana de problemas emocionais [4(0-10) vs. 5(0-10),p=0,018] e pró-social [7(0-10) vs. 9(3-10),p=0,006] foi menor em adolescentes com deficiência vs. adolescentes sem deficiência. Adolescentes com deficiência tiveram função global significantemente inferior [68(21-99) vs. 94(67-100),p <0,001] e pontuações de felicidade mais altas do PODCI [90(65-100) vs. 80(0-100),p=0,016] em comparação com o grupo sem deficiências. A análise de regressão logística demonstrou que a atividade física/semana (odds ratio — OR=1,03; intervalo de confiança — IC95%=1,01-1,05,p=0,002) foi maior nos adolescentes com deficiência. No entanto, atividades domésticas (OR=0,14; IC95%=0,04-0,43,p=0,001) e tempo de tela ≥3 horas/dia (OR=0,09; IC95%=0,02-0,38,p=0,001) foram menores nos adolescentes com deficiência. Conclusões: Os adolescentes com deficiência que frequentam uma organização não governamental (ONG) esportiva não tiveram maior risco de apresentar indicadores adversos à saúde; apesar de apresentarem função física reduzida, relataram mais atividade física, maior felicidade e menos tempo de tela em comparação com adolescentes sem deficiência durante a pandemia da COVID-19.

Emotional, hyperactivity and inattention problems in adolescents with immunocompromising chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective: To assess factors associated with emotional changes and Hyperactivity/Inattention (HI) motivated by COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with immunocompromising diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 343 adolescents with immunocompromising diseases and 108 healthy adolescents. Online questionnaires were answered including socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and validated surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0). Results: The frequencies of abnormal emotional SDQ scores from adolescents with chronic diseases were similar to those of healthy subjects (110/343 [32%] vs. 38/108 [35%], p = 0.548), as well as abnormal hyperactivity/inattention SDQ scores (79/343 [23%] vs. 29/108 [27%], p = 0.417). Logistic regression analysis of independent variables associated with abnormal emotional scores from adolescents with chronic diseases showed: female sex (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.76]; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 2.00-7.05; p < 0.001), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.08-3.88; p = 0.028) and intrafamilial violence during pandemic (OR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.12-4.19; p = 0.021) as independently associated with abnormal emotional scores, whereas total PedsQL score was inversely associated with abnormal emotional scores (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.93-0.96; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis associated with abnormal HI scores from patients evidenced that total PedsQL score (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.010], changes in medical appointments during the pandemic (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.19-0.79; p = 0.021), and reliable COVID-19 information (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16-0.77; p = 0.026) remained inversely associated with abnormal HI scores. Conclusion: The present study showed emotional and HI disturbances in adolescents with chronic immunosuppressive diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reinforces the need to promptly implement a longitudinal program to protect the mental health of adolescents with and without chronic illnesses during future pandemics.

Impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental functioning in adolescents with disabilities in a sports nongovernmental organization.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) parameters in adolescents with physical disabilities enrolled in a sports nongovernmental organization (NGO) versus adolescents without disabilities during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 30 adolescents with disabilities and 86 adolescents without disabilities who responded to an online questionnaire with sociodemographic data and self-rated healthcare routine information during the COVID-19 quarantine. Validated self-report versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were also applied. RESULTS: The median of emotional [4 (0-10) vs. 5 (0-10), p=0.018] and prosocial [7 (0-10) vs. 9 (3-10), p=0.006] problems was lower in adolescents with disabilities versus adolescents without disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities had significantly lower global function [68 (21-99) vs. 94 (67-100), p<0.001] and higher happiness scores in the PODCI scale [90 (65-100) vs. 80 (0-100), p=0.016] compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical activity/week (OR=1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.002) was higher in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. However, housework activities (OR=0.14; 95%CI 0.04-0.43, p=0.001) and screen time ≥3 h/day (OR=0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.38, p=0.001) were lower in adolescents with disabilities compared to adolescents without disabilities. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with disabilities attending a sports NGO were not at higher risk of adverse health-related indicators; despite showing reduced physical function, they reported more physical activity, higher happiness, and less screen time compared to adolescents without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI add metabolic information to magnetic resonance image in childhood-onset Takayasu's arteritis patients? A multicenter case series.

BACKGROUND: The observation that 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI) revealed high-grade arterial wall FDG uptake, without arterial wall thickening with contrast-enhancement, in a considerable number of c-TA patients in our previous study, encouraged us to compare patients with both PET and MR angiography (MRA) positives, with those with PET positive but MRA negative. Our aim was to evaluate the relevance of these two imaging modalities together. METHODS: A three-center cross-sectional study with 17 patients who fulfilled the EULAR/PRINTO/PReS criteria for c-TA and who underwent [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI was previously performed. Herein we compared patients/vessels with positive PET (arterial wall 18F-FDG uptake higher than liver) and positive MRA (arterial wall thickening with contrast-enhancement)-group 1, with those with positive PET but negative MRA-group 2. RESULTS: Median disease duration of 17 c-TA patients was 10.4 years. Nine patients were classified as group 1 and six as group 2. Median of metabolic inflammatory volume (MIV) of all arterial segments was significantly higher in group 1 (2346 vs. 1177 cm3; p = 0.036). Fifty-four (19%) from 284 available arterial segments presented positive findings in vessel wall in one or both images. Positive findings were concordant between PET and MRA in only 13% arterial segments (group 1); most changes (28-59.6%) that were discordant between both images, were positive in PET and negative in MRA (group 2). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI added information about inflammation in vessel wall of c-TA patients. Prospective multicenter studies are needed in order to get solid data to guide immunosuppressive tapering and withdrawal.

Physical and mental health impacts during COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions

Abstract Objective: To evaluate physical and mental health indicators in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 355 adolescents with chronic conditions and 111 healthy adolescents. An online self-rated survey was used to investigate socio-demographic features, healthcare routine, and the quarantine impact on physical and mental health. The validated self-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was also applied. Results: The median of age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p = 0.733] and frequencies of female (61% vs. 60%, p = 0.970) were similar between adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions and healthy adolescents during quarantine of COVID-19 pandemic. The frequencies of abnormal total difficulties score of SDQ were similar in patients and controls (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.775). Logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR = 1.965; 95% CI = 1.091-3.541, p = 0.024), fear of underlying disease activity/complication (OR = 1.009; 95%CI = 1.001-1.018, p = 0.030) were associated with severe psychosocial dysfunction in adolescents with chronic conditions, whereas school homework (OR = 0.449; 95% CI = 0.206-0.981, p = 0.045) and physical activity (OR = 0.990; 95% CI = 0.981-0.999, p = 0.030) were protective factors. Further analysis of patients with chronic immunocompromised conditions and previous diagnosis of mental disorders (9%) compared with patients without diagnosis showed higher median of total difficulties score (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), conduct (p = 0.007), peer problems (p = 0.001) and hyperactivity (p = 0.034) in the former group. Conclusion: Adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during COVID-19 quarantine were not at higher risk of adverse health indicators. Being female, fear of underlying disease activity/complication, and household members working outside of the home were relevant issues for adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions. This study reinforces the need to establish mental health strategies for teens with chronic conditions, particularly during the pandemic.

In-depth cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case series study.

We assessed PET-CT myocardial blood flow (MBF) using N-13 ammonia, brachial flow-mediated dilation, and cardiopulmonary exercise test in five post-discarged MIS-C survivors. None of the patients (median age: 9, range: 7-18 years; 3 females; 2 males) had preexisting pediatric chronic conditions. At the follow-up visit, two patients exhibited severe perfusion defect developed in the left ventricular cavity, suggesting extensive myocardial ischemia (MBF <2.0) and one patient showed persistent mild pericardial effusion. Others two patients demonstrated endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, all patients had lower predicted values in the VO2peak , VO2VAT , OUES, and O2 Pulse (range: 35.2%-64.5%; 15.6%-38.2%; 1.0-1.3 L/min; 4-7 ml/beat), respectively. Our d suggested that previously health MIS-C patients had impaired MBF, endothelial dysfunction and lower cardiopulmonary capacity at follow-up analysis. Multidisciplinary further investigations should be conducted to reinforce these findings.

A home-based exercise program during COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions and acceptability of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the perceptions and acceptability of a home-based exercise intervention in systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) adolescent patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore the effects of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleep quality, and mental health conditions parameters. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week, home-based exercise training program conducted between October and December 2020. During this period, social distancing measures were in place in Brazil to contain the spread of COVID-19. Adolescent patients diagnosed with JSLE and JIA participated in the study. Health-related qualitative and quantitative data were collected before and after the follow-up. RESULTS: 21 JSLE patients and 30 JIA patients were analyzed. Six themes emerged from patients' feedback: 1) Suitability of the home-based format; 2) Appropriate trainer supervision, 3) Motivators and facilitators for the program; 4) Barriers to the program; 5) Health benefits; 6) Patients' suggestions to improve the program. Overall, data indicated that the intervention showed good acceptability and elicited improvements in the perceived HRQoL and fatigue in JIA and JSLE patients during the pandemic. However, further quantitative analyses with validated HRQoL, sleep quality, and mental health conditions instruments did not capture these benefits (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our main findings based on in-depth qualitative assessments suggest that a home-based exercise training program was suitable and well-accepted by adolescents with JSLE and JIA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, adherence was not high, particularly among JIA patients, suggesting that facilitators and barriers identified in the current study should be explored to improve the quality of new home-based exercise programs implementation, particularly in a future emerging crisis.

Physical and mental health impacts during COVID-19 quarantine in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physical and mental health indicators in adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 355 adolescents with chronic conditions and 111 healthy adolescents. An online self-rated survey was used to investigate socio-demographic features, healthcare routine, and the quarantine impact on physical and mental health. The validated self-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was also applied. RESULTS: The median of age [14 (10-18) vs. 15 (10-18) years, p = 0.733] and frequencies of female (61% vs. 60%, p = 0.970) were similar between adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions and healthy adolescents during quarantine of COVID-19 pandemic. The frequencies of abnormal total difficulties score of SDQ were similar in patients and controls (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.775). Logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR = 1.965; 95% CI = 1.091-3.541, p = 0.024), fear of underlying disease activity/complication (OR = 1.009; 95%CI = 1.001-1.018, p = 0.030) were associated with severe psychosocial dysfunction in adolescents with chronic conditions, whereas school homework (OR = 0.449; 95% CI = 0.206-0.981, p = 0.045) and physical activity (OR = 0.990; 95% CI = 0.981-0.999, p = 0.030) were protective factors. Further analysis of patients with chronic immunocompromised conditions and previous diagnosis of mental disorders (9%) compared with patients without diagnosis showed higher median of total difficulties score (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), conduct (p = 0.007), peer problems (p = 0.001) and hyperactivity (p = 0.034) in the former group. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with preexisting chronic immunocompromised conditions during COVID-19 quarantine were not at higher risk of adverse health indicators. Being female, fear of underlying disease activity/complication, and household members working outside of the home were relevant issues for adolescents with preexisting chronic conditions. This study reinforces the need to establish mental health strategies for teens with chronic conditions, particularly during the pandemic.

Does [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI add metabolic information to magnetic resonance image in childhood-onset Takayasu's arteritis patients? A multicenter case series

Abstract Background: The observation that 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI) revealed high-grade arterial wall FDG uptake, without arterial wall thickening with contrast-enhancement, in a considerable number of c-TA patients in our previous study, encouraged us to compare patients with both PET and MR angiography (MRA) positives, with those with PET positive but MRA negative. Our aim was to evaluate the relevance of these two imaging modalities together. Methods: A three-center cross-sectional study with 17 patients who fulfilled the EULAR/PRINTO/PReS criteria for c-TA and who underwent [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI was previously performed. Herein we compared patients/vessels with positive PET (arterial wall 18F-FDG uptake higher than liver) and positive MRA (arterial wall thickening with contrast-enhancement)—group 1, with those with positive PET but negative MRA—group 2. Results: Median disease duration of 17 c-TA patients was 10.4 years. Nine patients were classified as group 1 and six as group 2. Median of metabolic inflammatory volume (MIV) of all arterial segments was significantly higher in group 1 (2346 vs. 1177 cm3; p = 0.036). Fifty-four (19%) from 284 available arterial segments presented positive findings in vessel wall in one or both images. Positive findings were concordant between PET and MRA in only 13% arterial segments (group 1); most changes (28-59.6%) that were discordant between both images, were positive in PET and negative in MRA (group 2). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that [18F]F-FDG-PET/MRI added information about inflammation in vessel wall of c-TA patients. Prospective multicenter studies are needed in order to get solid data to guide immunosuppressive tapering and withdrawal.

Changes in Eating Habits and Sedentary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents With Chronic Conditions.

Introduction: Among healthy adolescents, school closures and home confinement were shown to increase unhealthier eating habits and sedentary behavior. It remains unknown to which extent the pandemic has impacted the lifestyle of adolescents with chronic conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to report on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on eating habits and sedentary behavior among adolescents with multiple chronic conditions (n = 347) from a tertiary, referral hospital vs. healthy peers. Methods: This observational study was conducted in São Paulo (Brazil) between July and October 2020, period in which a set of social distancing measures to contain the pandemic. Results: The main findings of this study were that adolescents with chronic conditions and health peers showed important changes in eating habits (e.g., more often cooking and eating in front of television than before quarantine). Also, 86.8% of adolescents with chronic conditions and 91.6% of healthy adolescents reported increasing screen time during pandemic. No major differences were observed between patients and controls. Conclusions: Adolescents with chronic conditions and healthy peers exposed to pandemic showed substantial changes in lifestyle, stressing the need for specific care to mitigate poor eating habits and excessive sedentary behavior for patients and healthy adolescents.