SARS-CoV-2 infections and MIS-C among children: A narrative review

Ayed A Shati1, Syed Esam Mahmood2, Ali Alsuheel Asseri1

  • 1Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Medicine
|August 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) often remain asymptomatic. However, a significant risk of developing multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) exists post-infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts children differently than adults, with many remaining asymptomatic or less symptomatic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in children may be underestimated due to limited testing and examination of this demographic.
  • Post-infectious complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), have been reported, necessitating further investigation.

Approach:

  • This narrative review synthesizes existing scientific literature to explore the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infections and MIS-C in pediatric populations.
  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published in English.
  • The review focuses on understanding the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission and MIS-C development in children.

Key Points:

  • Children generally experience milder symptoms from SARS-CoV-2 compared to adults.
  • A substantial proportion of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 cases are asymptomatic, as indicated by serological studies.
  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious, albeit rare, post-infectious complication linked to SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children, including asymptomatic cases and MIS-C, is crucial for effective public health strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 to MIS-C and to identify risk factors.
  • Preemptive care strategies, including vaccination and cohorting, are vital for protecting children from SARS-CoV-2 and its potential complications.

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