Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

A rare inflammatory disease associated with COVID-19 that affects young children. The majority of patients have tested negative for the novel coronavirus but positive for antibodies, indicating they had previously had COVID-19 but don't have a current infection. Some of the children have presented with some or all of the features associated with Kawasaki disease, an illness seen in children that can result in enlargement or aneurysms of the coronary arteries, among other indicators. Symptoms have included fever, rash, conjunctivitis, swollen red hands and cracked red lips. Some children have clinical and laboratory signs of an exaggerated systemic immune response that has caused organ damage in adults with COVID-19. Many children have coagulopathies, a condition in which the blood's ability to coagulate is impaired; cardiac dysfunction; diarrhea, abdominal distension, vomiting and other GI symptoms; or acute kidney injury. Additional emergency warning signs have included inability to wake up or stay awake, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure that persists, new confusion, bluish lips or face and severe stomach pain. Most children with MIS-C need to be treated in a hospital, and some need treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit. Treatment usually involves different types of therapies that target the immune system and reduce inflammation. Depending on the child's symptoms and condition, he or she may receive anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications to reduce inflammation in the affected vital organs, such as the heart or kidneys, and protect them from permanent damage. Some children have only needed supportive care.