Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in the Critical Care Setting

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Public health

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel condition associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Children with MIS-C present with nonspecific symptoms like fever, rash, and gastrointestinal distress, often after SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on MIS-C, covering its physiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic strategies.
• To outline essential nursing considerations for managing MIS-C patients in critical care settings.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review methodology was employed.
• Literature search utilized keywords such as "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children," "Kawasaki-like syndrome," "COVID," "COVID-19," and "SARS-CoV-2."
• Initial search yielded 324 articles; 34 were included after screening, with 8 additional articles identified through hand-searching and ongoing literature surveillance.

Main Results:

• Information regarding MIS-C diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes is still developing due to its recent emergence.
• Critical care nursing for MIS-C involves specific considerations, including infection control for COVID-19, comprehensive physical assessments, medication management, and precise laboratory sample timing.
• Supportive care, including anticipatory guidance for patients and families, is a crucial component of nursing management.

Conclusions:

• Critical care nurses require up-to-date information on MIS-C management.
• Patients with MIS-C frequently require intensive care due to a significant risk of cardiovascular complications.