New Delhi: A recent international study has found that children with severe Covid-19 infections may face serious health risks that extend beyond the well-known respiratory symptoms, including potential long-term damage to the heart. The research, conducted by scientists from Harvard University in the United States and Murdoch University in Australia, involved a detailed analysis of blood samples from 147 children who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
The study focused on the metabolic effects of the virus, particularly how it alters the way the body processes fats such as triglycerides and cholesterol—both of which are vital for maintaining a healthy heart. Using advanced diagnostic techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the researchers measured more than 1,100 metabolites in the children's blood samples.
Published in the Journal of Proteome Research, the findings revealed that children who had Covid-19, especially those who developed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), showed significant changes in their blood chemistry. MIS-C is a severe condition linked to Covid-19 that affects multiple organ systems and can lead to serious heart complications, including inflammation of the heart muscle and blood vessels.
The study found similarities between the metabolic profiles of children with Covid-19 and those seen in adults with severe forms of the disease. This suggests that even though children often experience only mild respiratory symptoms, the virus can still trigger a strong inflammatory response in their bodies, which may carry long-term consequences.
Lead researcher Professor Jeremy Nicholson stated that the research challenges the common belief that children are largely unaffected by Covid-19. He highlighted the urgent need for further studies to assess the long-term impact of the virus on children's health. Co-researcher Professor Julien Wist also stressed the importance of ongoing research to understand the potential lasting effects of Covid-related metabolic and cardiovascular changes in children.