Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Critical care medicine
• Inflammatory syndromes

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a dangerous pediatric complication linked to COVID-19.
• This condition can affect multiple organ systems, presenting with diverse symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the diagnosis and management of MIS-C.
• Focus on acute care setting management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on MIS-C diagnosis and treatment.
• Emphasis on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and diagnostic criteria.
• Discussion of acute management protocols, including resuscitation and pharmacotherapy.

Main Results:

• MIS-C diagnosis relies on clinical and laboratory findings, often showing elevated inflammatory markers.
• Common symptoms include fever and gastrointestinal issues; neurological and dermatological findings are also noted.
• Acute management involves resuscitation, intravenous immunoglobulin, anticoagulation, and potentially corticosteroids or cytokine blockade for refractory cases.

Conclusions:

• MIS-C is an increasingly recognized condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric COVID-19 patients.
• Emergency clinicians must be proficient in diagnosing and managing MIS-C.
• Prompt and appropriate management in the acute care setting is vital for patient outcomes.