Childhood Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: An Emerging Disease with Prominent Cardiovascular Involvement-A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), also known as paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), is an emerging post-infectious complication linked to SARS-CoV-2.
• While sharing similarities with Kawasaki disease, MIS-C presents distinct features and is believed to result from an aberrant immune response, potentially involving antibody-mediated vascular damage and abnormal interferon responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management of MIS-C.
• To highlight the cardiovascular manifestations and intensive care requirements in affected children.

Main Methods:

• This is a descriptive summary of the disease based on current understanding and reported cases.
• Clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment strategies are reviewed.

Main Results:

• Children typically present 2-4 weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection with fever, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and hematologic symptoms, potentially progressing to shock.
• Cardiovascular involvement, including myocarditis and coronary artery aneurysms, is a hallmark. Elevated inflammatory markers are consistently observed.
• Most patients require intensive care, with some needing mechanical ventilation. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies.

Conclusions:

• MIS-C is a serious but treatable condition in children following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Prompt diagnosis and management with immunomodulatory agents lead to a generally good prognosis, with low mortality rates (0-4%).