With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

WHO clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the first version of a clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition as follows: “Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others which generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset, following initial recovery from an acute COVID19 episode, or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time. A separate definition may be applicable for children”. This definition may change as new evidence emerges, says the WHO... (Source: WHO)

Pfizer seeks authorization for its COVID vaccine for children aged 5-11 years

Pfizer asked the FDA on Thursday to expand emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11. The company has submitted clinical trial data to the FDA on Sept. 28, which showed the vaccine was safe and produced a robust immune response. Children in the trial were administered 10µg, which is lower than the routinely administered dose. Pfizer has been fully approved by the FDA for persons aged 16 years and above. It is still authorised for emergency use for children aged 12- to 15-year-old and individuals eligible for booster dose… (Source: Medscape, Oct. 7, 2021)

Increase in anti-thyroid antibody titers with Interferon treatment for COVID-19

A new study from Hong Kong presented at the virtual 90th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) has suggested that even short-term treatment of COVID-19 patients (no known history of previous thyroid disorders) with interferon beta-1b is associated with potentially important adverse effects on thyroid function. A significant rise in anti-thyroid antibodies including anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) was seen at 3 months compared to patients not treated with interferon … (Source: Medscape, Oct. 7, 2021)

Orphaned children, the hidden US COVID-19 pandemic 

One US child loses a parent or caregiver for every four COVID-19-associated deaths, a new modeling study published in Pediatrics reveals.  The findings illustrate orphanhood as a hidden and ongoing secondary tragedy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes that identifying and caring for these children throughout their development is a necessary and urgent part of the pandemic response – both for as long as the pandemic continues, as well as in the post-pandemic era. From April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, data suggest that more than 140,000 children under age 18 in the United States lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or grandparent caregiver who provided the child’s home and basic needs, including love, security, and daily care… (CDC, Oct. 7, 2021)

Myocarditis and mRNA Covid-19 vaccines

In a large study from Israel of patients in an Israeli health care system who had received at least one dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, the estimated incidence of myocarditis was 2.13 cases per 100,000 persons; the highest incidence was among male patients between the ages of 16 and 29 years. Most cases of myocarditis were mild or moderate in severity… (Source: NEJM, Oct. 6, 2021)