Blood serotonin concentration in children with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has a risk of thrombotic complications. Serotonin plays an important role in pathogenesis of thrombosis. Purpose. To evaluate level of serotonin and its metabolite in the blood of children with COVID-19. Methods. This study included 72 children aged 3 to 17 years. Of these, 43 patients (mean age 11.2 +/- 4.8 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 without comorbidities made up the study group, 29 healthy children (mean age 11.8 +/- 3.8 years) - the control group. Concentration of serotonin and its metabolite (5-HIAA) in the blood was determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Computed tomography data were used to determine severity of lung damage. Results. In our study children with COVID-19 aged 3 to 17 years had significantly higher serotonin and its metabolite levels compared to the control group. Concentration of serotonin in plasma in main group was 20-30 times higher than in the same-age control. The 5-HIAA/serotonin ratio in children with COVID-19 is significantly lower than in the control group. Levels of serotonin and 5-HIAA in children with COVID-19 depending on the severity of CT-scan lung damage showed no significant differences. Conclusion. Serotonin and its metabolite levels in plasma of children with COVID-19 is significantly increased. It may be related to platelet hyperactivation in SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased risk of thrombosis, which requires further research. Copyright © 2022 National Academy of Pediatric Science and Innovation. All rights reserved.