Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Related to SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects adults and the elderly.
• A distinct multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been identified, initially thought to be pediatric-specific but now reported in adults.
• MIS-C shares features with Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and macrophage activation syndrome, highlighting complex multisystemic manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and potential overlap with other conditions.
• To highlight the need for further research into MIS-C pathogenesis, impact, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on MIS-C and SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of clinical manifestations and similarities with other inflammatory syndromes.
• Discussion of current diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• MIS-C is linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, often as a post-infectious immune response, but can also occur during acute infection.
• Current MIS-C diagnostic criteria may encompass diverse pediatric conditions.
• Pathogenesis remains unclear, leading to varied therapeutic strategies without a definitive treatment.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge regarding MIS-C is incomplete, with ongoing debate about its precise definition and relationship to SARS-CoV-2.
• The broad diagnostic criteria may lead to misclassification, impacting the understanding of MIS-C's true prevalence and effects.
• Urgent research is required to refine MIS-C definition, assess its impact on child health, and establish optimal clinical and therapeutic strategies.