Differentiating Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome From Neonatal Sepsis: A Case Report

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibits a spectrum of clinical manifestations, spanning from asymptomatic carriage to fatal outcomes. Among young infants, the incidence of severe disease is notably high. The pathogenesis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in neonates associated with SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive, although post-infective immune dysregulation is posited as a significant contributor. Recent cohorts have highlighted the transplacental transfer of immunoglobulins, potentially exacerbating immune dysregulation due to the co-transfer of inflammatory cytokines. Antenatal transmission of viral particles in neonates is rare, with suspicion of nosocomial infection in most cases. This abstract summarizes a case study of a neonate with MIS, presenting with cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal involvement, along with fever and elevated biomarkers. Notable observations from similar cases include a predominance of cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, albeit with variability in echo findings.