COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Also called: Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS); Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS)

What Is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)?

COVID-19 usually causes a mild infection in kids. But some children develop more serious symptoms several weeks after being infected with the virus. This condition is called multisystem inflammatorysyndrome in children (MIS-C).

What Are the Signs of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)?

MIS-C causes symptoms that are due to inflammation throughout the body. This may include:

• fever
• belly pain
• vomiting or diarrhea
• rash
• red, cracked lips
  
• red (bloodshot) eyes
• red or swollen hands or feet

If your child has ongoing fever and any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Kids with this inflammatory syndrome may quickly get worse. Go to the ER right away if your child looks very sick, has trouble breathing, chest pain, bad belly pain, looks bluish in the lips or face, or is very sleepy or confused. Tell the doctor if your child had COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who had it.

What Problems Can Happen?

MIS-C can cause different problems in different kids. The inflammation can affect the heart, blood cells, blood vessels, skin, digestive system, or eyes. Sometimes, this can damage the organs, especially the heart.

How Is MIS-C Diagnosed?

MIS-C symptoms can be similar to those caused by other illnesses, such as Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome. If a doctor thinks a child might have MIS-C, they will do a COVID-19 test and other tests that look for signs of inflammation in the body. They will also do tests to look for damage to organs in the body. These can include:

• blood tests and urine (pee) tests
  
• chest X-ray
  
• tests to look at the heart, such as ECG (electrocardiogram) and echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
• abdominal ultrasound

The doctor might talk with a team of specialists who can help diagnose and treat MIS-C. They can include experts in infectious disease, cardiology (heart), rheumatology (bones, joints, and immune system), hematology (blood), and critical care.

Treatment & Care

How Is MIS-C Treated?

How doctors treat MIS-C depends on a child's symptoms and test results. They can give oxygen, medicines, and intravenous (IV) fluids to reduce inflammation, prevent excessive blood clotting, or protect the affected organs from more problems. Some children might need treatment in the ICU (intensive care unit).

Most kids with MIS-C get better after being treated in the hospital. But some can have lasting problems and need care from specialists after they go home.

For example, kids who develop heart problems due to MIS-C will need regular visits with a cardiologist. They may have to avoid exercise or sports for a while, until the cardiologist says it's OK. Kids who get some kinds of medicines (like steroids for easing inflammation) will see a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or endocrinologist, who can help them adjust their medicines as needed.

What Else Should I Know?

MIS-C is very rare. The best way to prevent it is to prevent COVID-19. Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines help protect kids from COVID-19. This is especially important for those who are at high risk, including all kids between 6 months and 23 months. Talk to the doctor to see if your child is due for a vaccine.

To help prevent the spread of germs, it’s always a good idea to:

• Wash hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  
• Avoid people who appear sick.
• Clean things that get touched a lot (like doorknobs, counters, phones, etc.).
• Try to breathe in cleaner air (by bringing in more fresh air from outside, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors).