We were writing about transplants during the pandemic, and especially for children. The National Kidney Foundation told us how their need for immune suppressants had knock-on effects. And then our eye fell on a single paragraph mentioning pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. But apparently this is a different, thankfully rare COVID-19 response among kids abbreviated to the short form MIS-C.
What Is Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
We turned to U.S. Centers for Disease Control for advice, because we appreciate their independent stance. This particular cluster of symptoms inflames a wide variety of body parts, and those inflamed body parts can include some but not necessarily all of these:
Heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal Organs
Centers for Disease Control does not understand the mechanism that causes pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. However many of those with it had the virus previously, or were in close contact with a COVID-19-infected person. We are sad to say the syndrome can be deadly. Although most kids recover with medical care.
This thankfully rare symptom first appeared in April 2020, in a small number of children with COVID-19. The condition, similar to Kawasaki disease inflames blood vessels throughout the body. One theory holds the infection triggers an auto-inflammatory response among children with a genetic disposition.
Symptoms and Treatments for MIS-C Syndrome in Kids
A child with the disease will have an ongoing fever. However, they will also have one of more of the following:
Bloodshot eyes, diarrhea, light headedness, skin rash, stomach pain, nausea, Vomiting
Parents should therefore seek emergency care if their child shows any of following signs, even just one:
A new confusion
Trouble breathing
Inability to wake or stay awake
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
Doctors may be able to arrange care and support at home. However in most instances, the child will need to admit to hospital. This information comes with our compliments. But we are sad these times compel us to share it today.
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Preview Image: Human Body Temperature Range