Covid-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Abstract

Although the pediatric population has shown lower morbidity and mortality by COVID-19, the younger age groups are not exempt from contracting COVID-19. Cases of children with clinical presentations resembling Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. This entity has been classified as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) associated with COVID-19. The MISC is a phenotypically distinct entity, also caused by SARS-CoV-2, which tends to appear 2-6 weeks after the resolution of COVID-19. Although MIS-C is infrequent, it may have higher mortality than COVID-19 itself, and thus, early diagnosis and correct management is essential in order to offer the best care. Although at present time no management protocols for MIS-C are internationally accepted, research is in constant evolution to identify the best therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this article is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of MIS-C.