SCCM Resource Library-Exploring the Knowns and Unknowns of MIS-C

Pdf Summary

The article from "CriticalConnections" Fall 2020 issue focuses on the emergence and understanding of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), which typically surfaces weeks following a COVID-19 surge in children. It highlights that while children initially afflicted with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic, many later present with MIS-C—a serious postinfectious inflammatory syndrome. Dr. Edward E. Conway, Jr. emphasized during a virtual conference that the number of children afflicted with COVID-19 has been increasing, with MIS-C cases being relatively rare but serious.<br /><br />MIS-C resembles a Kawasaki disease-like illness with inflammations in various organs, but exhibits more severe symptoms such as myocarditis, heart inflammation distinct from Kawasaki's coronary artery aneurysms. As of early September, there have been 935 MIS-C cases across 44 states with 19 deaths reported predominantly in children with severe underlying conditions. Key symptoms for clinicians to observe in MIS-C patients include high fever, gastrointestinal issues, myocarditis, and neurologic signs among others.<br /><br />The article highlights racial and genetic implications, revealing that over 70% of affected children are Hispanic or Black. Although no definitive diagnostic exists, professional consensus emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to mitigate morbidity and mortality rates. The overlap in symptoms between MIS-C, COVID-19, and sepsis makes differential diagnosis crucial. Treatment strategies often include the use of immunoglobulin and steroids, with a significant number of patients requiring intensive care.<br /><br />Future research is critical to unravel the detailed pathogenesis, optimal treatment protocol, and long-term impact of MIS-C. The article calls for continuous research trials and urges healthcare providers to keep updated through resources like SCCM’s COVID-19 Rapid Resource Center.

Asset Subtitle

Pediatrics, Crisis Management, 2020, 00:05:04

Asset Caption

This article was first published in the Fall 2020 issue of Critical Connections. It is a pattern that has been repeated in COVID-19 hot spots nationwide. Several weeks after the surge, emergency departments and intensive care units (ICUs) start seeing children, typically with fever and gastrointestinal issues. While almost all test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or antibodies, they typically present after recovering from mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 with what appears to be a postinfectious response, now designated as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Critical Connections is the critical care industry’s only newsmagazine, provides information on cutting-edge topics in critical care useful to the entire multiprofessional team.

Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Pediatrics

Knowledge Area Crisis Management

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Select

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Associate

Tag COVID-19

Tag Pediatrics

Year 2020

Keywords

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

MIS-C

COVID-19

Kawasaki disease

myocarditis

racial implications

early detection

treatment strategies

intensive care

future research

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