Explained: What is MIS-C IN Children; Why should you be aware of it

Hyderabad: Dr Ramesh Reddy-Director of Medical education Telangana on June 3rd raised an alarm about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C). The director appealed parents to seek medical help at the earliest if children are found to be suffering from MIS-C.

With a severe second wave, the one major change from last year was the steady rise in infections among children, the multiple reasons and common symptoms noticed in children are widely discussed now and a majority of children do recover with very mild symptoms. However, with the rise in infections in children, a rare but serious disorder has emerged as a post COVID syndrome called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)/Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome(PIMS) is a rare but serious condition associated with COIVD 9 infections. It is commonly seen 2-6weeks after Covid infection. Although there is a sharp rise in the cases, the exact numbers in our country are still not known and the incidence of MIS-C is still rare, about 2-3 per 1 lakh children.

Much of its pathogenesis and the exact reason why it affects few children and not others are still not yet known. However, it is an inflammatory syndrome and it affects various organs in the body, most commonly affected are the heart and cardiovascular system, GI tract, skin, eyes, brain, and kidneys.

COMMONLY NOTED SYMPTOMS –

Fever lasting more than 1 day

Rashes over the body

Abdominal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain

Unusually dull

Swelling around the neck (enlarged lymph nodes)

Swelling or redness over lips, hands, and feet

Headache, dizziness

It is essential to seek medical help early if symptoms are seen as always MIS-C needs hospital care. When suspected, the child will need to undergo blood tests, chest x-ray, echocardiography of the heart, etc, and will be started on intravenous immunoglobins and steroids to reduce the inflammation and protect the organs like the heart, kidneys, etc. Although most children will recover with hospital admission and care, some in rare cases do become very severe and will need pediatric ICU care.

Emergency signs of MIS-C

Severe stomach pain

Difficulty in breathing

Change in the color of skin, lips, nails

Confusion, dizziness

Inability to wake up or stay awake

Following recovery from COVID infection in children and in family, keeping a close eye on kid's activity, looking out for these symptoms and monitoring of temperature and SPO2 levels regularly at home helps in picking up symptoms early and seek medical help.