Update on the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic starting in late 2019.
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe complication of COVID-19 in pediatric patients.
• MIS-C can present with higher mortality rates compared to COVID-19 in children, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis and management of MIS-C in children.
• To review current and potential therapeutic strategies for MIS-C.
• To emphasize the need for individualized treatment approaches in pediatric MIS-C cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on MIS-C diagnosis and treatment.
• Analysis of first-line treatment options including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids.
• Exploration of emerging therapies such as cytokine antagonists and plasmapheresis.

Main Results:

• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids are established as first-line treatments for MIS-C.
• Cytokine antagonists show promise as future therapeutic options.
• Therapeutic plasmapheresis is an effective treatment for severe, refractory MIS-C cases.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and management are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric MIS-C.
• Current treatment paradigms involve IVIG and steroids, with emerging options like cytokine antagonists.
• Individualized treatment plans, incorporating multidisciplinary input, are essential for managing MIS-C, particularly in children with comorbidities.