Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with Coronavirus Disease-2019: An overview

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019 has been ravaging the world since the past several months with devastating consequences. Although it is seen that specific categories of patients with comorbidities are especially vulnerable, the risks from the acute disease in pediatric population have been consistently lower. However, the alarming rise in pediatric admissions in intensive care units with varied clinical presentation during this pandemic gave an insight to a new hyperinflammatory response called as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Although overlapping symptoms may mimic toxic shock syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, myocarditis, or Kawasaki-like illness, clinical findings are relatively consistent across geographically distinct regions. Diagnosis is essentially clinical, and laboratory investigations are suggestive of increased inflammatory markers. Early recognition and appropriate institution of inotropes, intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and antibiotics apart from general supportive treatment are required for a favorable outcome.

Keywords

• coronavirus disease-2019
• kawasaki-like illness
• multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
• pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with coronavirus disease-2019
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2