Clinical features and acute management of COVID-19 in children

Children account for a minority of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The majority with acute infection are asymptomatic or have mild disease. Severe disease and mortality are reported in children with associated comorbidities such as complex neurodisability. Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS;also referred to as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)) is observed ~3-6 weeks after acute infection in an estimated 0.05% of cases. This is characterised by multiorgan involvement, and >50% of cases have myocardial dysfunction and require critical care admission for supportive care. Neurological, cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal and dermatological symptoms are all reported in acute and post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is no evidence of a benefit from remdesivir, steroids or other investigative treatment in children during acute infection, and their use is recommended only on a case-by-case compassionate basis. Management of PIMS-TS is based on evidence from Kawasaki disease with immunomodulation and cardiac protection, and urgent RCT data are required. The collateral effects of the pandemic are likely to have long-term effects on children's physical and mental health.Copyright © ERS 2021.