Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) of Asian Countries: A Mini-Literature Review on its Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic though has reached endemic levels in most of the countries, it has left an indelible mark on the healthcare systems across the world. One of the emerging challenges faced by physicians and researchers all around the world is the increased incidence of Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Most of the research work conducted till date focusses on the pathophysiology, management and treatment of this syndrome. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children has been found to be a consequence of hyperactive immune system resulting from cytokine activation and release of immune complexes subsequent to COVID-19 infection. This condition is also associated with multisystem dysfunction which if not diagnosed early and not treated promptly, could result in an increased mortality among children. Most of the cases have been reported from European and American countries, but not many from Asia. This literature review provides for plausible reasons as to why the incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children has been less in Asian countries compared to the rest of the world. It also gives insights into the treatment protocols for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children followed by hospitals in these countries and also highlights how different MIS-C is from Kawasaki disease in terms of clinical presentation since both these conditions share a common disease spectrum. This review also lists out the clinical features and treatment followed in such patients belonging to Asian countries.