Acute Cardiovascular Manifestations in 286 Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With COVID-19 Infection in Europe

Myocarditis and Subclinical-Like Infection Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in Two Cats Living in the Same Household in France: A Case Report With Literature Review

This report provides the first clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and biological description of SARS-CoV-2-associated myocarditis with a 6-month follow-up in a 5-year-old obese male domestic shorthair cat (Cat-1) presented for refractory congestive heart failure, with high cardiac troponin-I level (5.24 ng/ml), and a large lingual ulcer. The animal was SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. The other cat living in the same household (Cat-2) never showed any clinical sign but was also confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. Both cats were SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cat-1 had closer contact than Cat-2 with their owner, who had been in close contact with a coworker tested PCR positive for COVID-19 (Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant) 4 weeks before Cat-1's first episode of congestive heart failure. A focused point-of-care echocardiography at presentation revealed for Cat-1 numerous B-lines, pleural effusion, severe left atrial dilation and dysfunction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype associated with focal pulmonary consolidations. Both myocarditis and pneumonia were suspected, leading to the prescription of cardiac medications and antibiotics. One month later, Cat-1 recovered, with normalization of left atrial size and function, and radiographic and echocardiography disappearance of heart failure signs and pulmonary lesions. An extensive literature review of SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac injury in pets in comparison with human pathology is discussed.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 detected in a group of dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis

BACKGROUND

Domestic pets can contract severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; however, it is unknown whether the UK B.1.1.7 variant can more easily infect certain animal species or increase the possibility of human-to-animal transmission.

METHODS

This is a descriptive case series reporting SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant infections in a group of dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis.

RESULTS

The study describes the infection of domestic cats and dogs by the B.1.1.7 variant. Two cats and one dog were positive to SARS-CoV-2 PCR on rectal swab, and two cats and one dog were found to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 2-6 weeks after they developed signs of cardiac disease. Many owners of these pets had developed respiratory symptoms 3-6 weeks before their pets became ill and had also tested positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, all these pets were referred for acute onset of cardiac disease, including severe myocardial disorders of suspected inflammatory origin but without primary respiratory signs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the ability for pets to be infected by the B.1.1.7 variant and question its possible pathogenicity in these animals.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC): A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to analyse current literature and reported cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC), concerning its clinical spectrum, complications associated, therapeutic strategies and distinguishing features of other clinical syndromes.

METHODS

Extensive literature research was performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed), Scopus and Web of Science from December 2019 to December 2020. First analysis included all article titles and abstracts screening to identify relevant studies, and second analysis included a full-text screening of previously selected studies. Eligibility was assessed independently by two authors, and disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. Data were extracted on MISC definition, demographic data, clinical features, diagnostic tests, laboratory analysis and imaging, therapeutical approach and outcomes.

RESULTS

Common symptoms included gastrointestinal (70%), rash (57%) and cardiovascular (52% with shock). Notable differences with Kawasaki disease were identified including age, clinical presentation and cardiac involvement. Thirty per cent presented positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and 51% positive serologies. Sixty-two per cent received intravenous immunoglobulin and 42% glucocorticoids. Sixty-two per cent required intensive care and 21 children died (<2%). Severe presentations were associated with neurological symptoms, hepatitis and acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSIONS

MISC raises concern on its severe cardiac involvement at presentation, with frequent intensive care and immunomodulatory therapy need. Short-term outcomes seem to be favourable, with cardiac dysfunction recovery and low mortality rates.

COVID-19 in Pediatrics

This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019, as well as a new inflammatory syndrome after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and Kawasaki disease: a critical comparison

Children and adolescents infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are predominantly asymptomatic or have mild symptoms compared with the more severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) described in adults. However, SARS-CoV-2 is also associated with a widely reported but poorly understood paediatric systemic vasculitis. This multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has features that overlap with myocarditis, toxic-shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease. Current evidence indicates that MIS-C is the result of an exaggerated innate and adaptive immune response, characterized by a cytokine storm, and that it is triggered by prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Epidemiological, clinical and immunological differences classify MIS-C as being distinct from Kawasaki disease. Differences include the age range, and the geographical and ethnic distribution of patients. MIS-C is associated with prominent gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system involvement, admission to intensive care unit, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, high levels of IFNγ and low counts of naive CD4⁺ T cells, with a high proportion of activated memory T cells. Further investigation of MIS-C will continue to enhance our understanding of similar conditions associated with a cytokine storm.

The Spectrum of Manifestations of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) Infection in Children: What We Can Learn From Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is defined as a clinically serious condition requiring hospitalization with fever, multi-system organ disfunction, inflammatory biomarkers increase. The syndrome develops in the context of a probable or ascertained Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) infection, but other possible etiologies should be ruled out for definitive diagnosis. On the clinical side, along with the multi-system involvement, myocarditis with heart failure and shock is the most striking feature. Capillary leak is another fundamental feature of MIS-C. In fact, shock and hemodynamic compromise in MIS-C can occur also in the absence of laboratory evidence of myocardial inflammation, with preserved cardiac function and rapid reversibility. Since the first observations of MIS-C patients, it was evident that there is a delay between the peak of adult cases of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the MIS-C peak. Moreover, SARS-Cov2 isolation in children with MIS-C is not always possible, due to low viral load, while positive serology is far more commonly observed. These observations lead to the interpretation of MIS-C as a post-infectious disease. Although the exact pathogenesis of MIS-C is far from being elucidated, it is clear that it is a hyperinflammatory disease with a different inflammatory response as compared to what is seen in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and that the disease shares some, but not all, immunological features with Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS), Kawasaki Disease (KD), Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Different mechanisms have been hypothesized as being responsible, from molecular mimicry to antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). Some evidence has also been collected on the immunological profile of patients with MIS-C and their difference from COVID-19. This review is focused on critical aspects of MIS-C clinical presentation and pathogenesis, and different immunological profiles. We propose a model where this hyperinflammatory disease represents one manifestation of the SARS-CoV2 spectrum in children, going from asymptomatic carriers to the post-infectious MIS-C, through symptomatic children, a low number of which may suffer from a severe infection with hyperinflammation (pediatric Hyper-COVID).

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings in non-hospitalized paediatric patients after recovery from COVID-19

Aims

Our study aimed to investigate the cardiac involvement with sensitive tissue characterization in non‐hospitalized children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled children who recovered from mildly symptomatic COVID‐19 infection between November 2020 and January 2021. Patients underwent CMR at 1.5 T (Achieva, Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) including cine images, native T1 and T2 mapping. Healthy children and paediatric patients with biopsy‐proven myocarditis served as control groups. We performed CMR in 18 children with a median (25th–75th percentile) age of 12 (10–15) years, 38 (24–47) days after positive PCR test, and compared them with 7 healthy controls [15 (10–19) years] and 9 patients with myocarditis [10 (4–16) years]. The COVID‐19 patients reported no cardiac symptoms. None of the COVID‐19 patients showed CMR findings consistent with a myocarditis. Three patients (17%) from the COVID‐19 cohort presented with minimal pericardial effusion. CMR parameters of COVID‐19 patients, including volumetric and strain values as well as T1 and T2 times, were not significantly different from healthy controls, but from myocarditis patients. These had significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (P = 0.035), LV global longitudinal strain, and left atrial strain values as well as elevated native T1 values compared with COVID‐19 patients (P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

There was no evidence of myocardial inflammation, fibrosis, or functional cardiac impairment in the studied cohort of children recently. CMR findings were comparable with those of healthy controls. Pericardial effusion suggests a mild pericarditis in a small subgroup. This is pointing to a minor clinical relevance of myocardial involvement in children after mildly symptomatic COVID‐19 infections.

Short-term Cardiovascular Complications of Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Adolescents and Children

Purpose of Review

We provide the readers with a review of cardiac complications in children with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and its short-term outcomes.

Recent Findings

Recent reports described the acute cardiac manifestations of MIS-C in children and provided a glimpse of the short-term outcomes.

Summary

Children with MIS-C have been reported to acutely have variable degrees of cardiac findings including abnormal cardiac enzymes, abnormal electrocardiographs, decreased systolic function, coronary artery abnormalities from coronary dilation to giant aneurysms, mitral valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve regurgitation, aortic valve insufficiency, pericardial effusion, diastolic dysfunction, abnormal cardiac strain, and abnormal cardiac MRI. The majority of these abnormalities resolved during short-term follow-up. Further studies are needed to assess if transient or persistent cardiac complications are associated with long-term adverse cardiac events in children with MIS-C.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40124-021-00258-5.

Outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally related to COVID-19: a longitudinal study

To study the clinical, laboratory characteristics and outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) temporally related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a resource-limited setting. All children meeting the World Health Organization case definition of MIS-C were prospectively enrolled. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Enrolled subjects were followed up for 4-6 weeks for evaluation of cardiac outcomes using echocardiography. The statistical data were analyzed using the stata-12 software. Thirty-one children with MIS-C were enrolled in an 11-month period. Twelve children had preexisting chronic systemic comorbidity. Fever was a universal finding; gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations were noted in 70.9% and 64.3%, respectively, while 57.1% had a skin rash. Fifty-eight percent of children presented with shock, and 22.5% required mechanical ventilation. HSP like rash, gangrene and arthritis were uncommon clinical observations.The median duration of hospital stay was 9 (6.5-18.5) days: four children with preexisting comorbidities succumbed to the illness. The serum ferritin levels (ng/ml) [median (IQR)] were significantly higher in non-survivors as compared to survivors [1061 (581, 2750) vs 309.5 (140, 720.08), p value = 0.045]. Six patients had coronary artery involvement; five recovered during follow-up, while one was still admitted. Twenty-six children received immunomodulatory drugs, and five improved without immunomodulation. The choice of immunomodulation (steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin) did not affect the outcome. Most children with MIS-C present with acute hemodynamic and respiratory symptoms.The outcome is favorable in children without preexisting comorbidities.Raised ferritin level may be a poor prognostic marker. The coronary outcomes at follow-up were reassuring.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in the Critical Care Setting

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a new syndrome that has been hypothesized to be connected with the COVID-19 pandemic. Children are presenting-likely after SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure-with vague symptoms including fever, gastrointestinal distress, and/or rash.

OBJECTIVE

To review what is currently known about multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, including physiology, signs and symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment options, and nursing considerations in critical care settings.

METHODS

This integrative review was conducted using the keywords multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, Kawasaki-like syndrome, COVID, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2. Initially, 324 articles were found. All were screened, and 34 were included. Eight articles were added after hand-searching and weekly literature searches were conducted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a newly identified syndrome, thus information on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes is available but evolving. Many aspects of nursing care are important to consider with regard to this illness, including COVID precautions, physical assessments, medication administration, and timing of blood sampling for laboratory testing as well as other standard intensive care unit considerations. Providing anticipatory guidance and support to patients and their families is also important.

CONCLUSION

Critical care nurses must remain informed about advances in the care of patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, as these patients are often seen in critical care environments because of their high risk of cardiovascular failure.

Challenges of Diagnosing Viral Myocarditis in Adolescents in the Era of COVID-19 and MIS-C

Myocarditis has a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. Pediatric myocarditis is a rare disease, with an estimated annual incidence of 1 to 2 per 100,000 children though its true prevalence remains unknown due to its variable and often subclinical presentation. The diagnosis of myocarditis is challenging in the era of COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), which can have overlapping clinical conundrum. Here, we present a case of a 17-year-old male presenting with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and electrocardiogram (EKG) findings concerning for myocardial injury along with elevated inflammatory markers such as D-dimer, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), and CRP (C-Reactive Protein). We discuss the key elements of our clinical experience with this case and review the literature for pediatric myocarditis, with a focus on differentiating it from MIS-C in the current COVID-19 pandemic era.

Giant Coronary Aneurysms in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can cause a myriad of cardiac manifestations, including coronary dilation and aneurysms; giant aneurysms are infrequent. We describe 3patients with giant coronary aneurysms associated with MIS-C, including the youngest case reported to date, treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and biologic agents. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Acute Myopericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccine in Teenagers

Background

There have been an increasing number of reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults after coronavirus disease 19 vaccinations. The pathophysiology of myocarditis after this vaccination is indeterminate currently. The problem is a relatively new phenomenon, and so there are no current guidelines on how to manage these cases of myopericarditis. We intend to describe our management in these two cases so that it can help guide pediatricians, intensivists, and cardiologists taking care of similar cases. Case Summaries. The first case is a young adolescent who presented with chest pain after receiving his second dose of coronavirus disease 19 vaccination with no other symptoms. His troponin was found to be 40 ng/mL. He had a normal echocardiogram and chest CT angiogram. His troponins trended down with symptomatic pain management after 3 days. The second case is another adolescent who presented with fever, fatigue, headache, and chest pain 3 days after receiving his second dose of coronavirus vaccine. His troponin was elevated to 5 ng/mL, electrocardiogram with ST segment elevations, and mildly decreased systolic function on echocardiogram. His troponins and electrocardiogram were normalized in 3 days at the time of his discharge.

Conclusion

The clinical course of vaccine-associated myocarditis appears favorable as both our patients have responded well to medications and rest with prompt improvement in symptoms with full recovery. The experience remains limited at this time regarding the investigations, management, and follow-up of this novel clinical entity. It is vital for all the health care providers taking care of adolescents to have knowledge about this phenomenon and make correct diagnosis in those presenting with chest pain after COVID-19 vaccine and in preventing unnecessary invasive procedures such as coronary angiogram to rule out acute coronary syndromes.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome of Children: Subphenotypes, Risk Factors, Biomarkers, Cytokine Profiles, and Viral Sequencing

OBJECTIVE

To assess demographic, clinical, and biomarker features distinguishing patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); compare MIS-C sub-phenotypes; identify cytokine biosignatures; and characterize viral genome sequences.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective observational cohort study of 124 children hospitalized and treated under the institutional MIS-C Task Force protocol from March to September 2020 at Children's National, a quaternary freestanding children's hospital in Washington, DC. Of this cohort, 63 of the patients had the diagnosis of MIS-C (39 confirmed, 24 probable) and 61 were from the same cohort of admitted patients who subsequently had an alternative diagnosis (controls).

RESULTS

Median age and sex were similar between MIS-C and controls. Black (46%) and Latino (35%) children were over-represented in the MIS-C cohort, with Black children at greatest risk (OR 4.62, 95% CI 1.151-14.10; P = .007). Cardiac complications were more frequent in critically ill patients with MIS-C (55% vs 28%; P = .04) including systolic myocardial dysfunction (39% vs 3%; P = .001) and valvular regurgitation (33% vs 7%; P = .01). Median cycle threshold was 31.8 (27.95-35.1 IQR) in MIS-C cases, significantly greater (indicating lower viral load) than in primary severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Cytokines soluble interleukin 2 receptor, interleukin [IL]-10, and IL-6 were greater in patients with MIS-C compared with controls. Cytokine analysis revealed subphenotype differences between critically ill vs noncritically ill (IL-2, soluble interleukin 2 receptor, IL-10, IL-6); polymerase chain reaction positive vs negative (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-6); and presence vs absence of cardiac abnormalities (IL-17). Phylogenetic analysis of viral genome sequences revealed predominance of GH clade originating in Europe, with no differences comparing patients with MIS-C with patients with primary coronavirus disease 19. Treatment was well tolerated, and no children died.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes a well-characterized large cohort of MIS-C evaluated and treated following a standardized protocol and identifies key clinical, biomarker, cytokine, viral load, and sequencing features. Long-term follow-up will provide opportunity for future insights into MIS-C and its sequelae.

Case Report: Lymphohistiocytic Myocarditis With Severe Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Mechanical Cardiocirculatory Support in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a novel hyperinflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It predominantly affects children (MIS-C) a few weeks after a usually asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and is only rarely seen in adults above 21 years (MIS-A). Only scarce data on histological findings in both pediatric and adult patients has been published so far. An 18-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital in a febrile state, which progressed to severe cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure requiring extracorporeal life support. Myocardial biopsy revealed small vessel-associated immune cell infiltrates. Diagnosis of MIS-C was made after ruling out all potential differential diagnosis. Use of immunosuppressive treatment with steroids, interleukin-1 blockade and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins resulted in the patient's full recovery. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a new differential diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in pediatric and adult patients. The lack of myocardial necrosis differentiates the disease from other viral myocarditis and offers an explanation for the fast response to immunomodulatory therapy and the favorable prognosis. The preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection might only have been mildly symptomatic or even asymptomatic.

An 11-Year-Old Saudi Arabian Girl Who Presented with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Coronary Artery Aneurysm and Cardiac Involvement: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, children who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) with vascular inflammation were described as having a vasculitis similar to Kawasaki's disease. There are now consensus clinical guidelines that have described the presentation and diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This report aims to describe a case of MIS-C in an 11-year-old Saudi Arabian girl who presented with coronary artery aneurysm and cardiac involvement. CASE REPORT We describe an 11-year-old Saudi girl who was asymptomatic for 3 weeks after contracting SARS-CoV-2. Three weeks after suffering a mild flulike illness, she developed a high fever, cough, and severe clinical deterioration within 12 h of admission, including shock, rash, pleural effusion, high inflammatory markers, and a coronary aneurysm. As per current practice, the diagnosis was confirmed as multisystem inflammatory syndrome based on a SARS-CoV-2 test with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from 2 nasopharyngeal aspirates. Her condition was successfully treated with antibiotics, inotropes, IVIG, aspirin, and Tocilizumab, in addition to high-flow oxygen therapy. Eventually, she was able to return home after fully recovering. CONCLUSIONS The findings in this report suggest that children with MIS-C due to SARS-CoV-2 infection can have a good prognosis, even when they suffer from coronary artery and cardiac involvement. The increasing number of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants that affect children supports the importance of RT-PCR for the COVID-19 diagnostic test for children with multisystem or cardiovascular inflammation, which may guide the most appropriate clinical management of the variants of MIS-C.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): a mini-review

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel, life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition that develops in children a few weeks after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease has created a diagnostic challenge due to overlap with Kawasaki disease (KD) and KD shock syndrome. The majority of patients with MIS-C present with the involvement of at least four organ systems, and all have evidence of a marked inflammatory state. Most patients show an increase in the level of at least four inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, neutrophil count, ferritin, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, and triglycerides). Therapy is primarily with immunomodulators, suggesting that the disease is driven by post-infectious immune dysregulation. Most patients, even those with severe cardiovascular involvement, recover without sequelae. Since coronary aneurysms have been reported, echocardiographic follow-up is needed.

Further study is needed to create uniform diagnostic criteria, therapy, and follow-up protocols.

First diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): an analysis of PoCUS findings in the ED

Children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) tend to develop a clinical condition of fluid overload due both to contractile cardiac pump deficit and to endotheliitis with subsequent capillary leak syndrome. In this context, the ability of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) to simultaneously explore multiple systems and detect polyserositis could promote adequate therapeutic management of fluid balance. We describe the PoCUS findings in a case-series of MIS-C patients admitted to the Emergency Department. At admission 10/11 patients showed satisfactory clinical condition without signs and symptoms suggestive for cardiovascular impairment/shock, but PoCUS showed pathological findings in 11/11 (100%). In particular, according to Rapid Ultrasound in SHock (RUSH) protocol, cardiac hypokinesis was detected in 5/11 (45%) and inferior vena cava dilatation in 3/11 (27%). Peritoneal fluid was reported in 6/11 cases (54%). Lung ultrasound (LUS) evaluation revealed an interstitial syndrome in 11/11 (100%), mainly localized in posterior basal lung segments. We suggest PoCUS as a useful tool in the first evaluation of children with suspected MIS-C for the initial therapeutic management and the following monitoring of possible cardiovascular deterioration.

Clinical features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review diagnosis, clinical characteristics and treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

RECENT FINDINGS

MIS-C emerged in spring 2020 as a hyperinflammatory syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 exposure in children. Despite growing awareness of MIS-C, diagnosis remains challenging due to the range of phenotypes and severity. Fever accompanied by shock, cardiac dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, or mucocutaneous signs suggestive of Kawasaki disease, especially in the presence of known or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 exposure, should trigger consideration of MIS-C. However, clinical presentations are highly varied and may overlap with other infectious diseases. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for MIS-C and be aware that patients may develop coronary artery aneurysms and myocarditis even with few or no Kawasaki disease symptoms. More precise diagnostic criteria and specific biomarkers are needed to aid diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is first-line therapy, and steroids should be considered as initial adjunctive treatment for patients with severe manifestations or other risk factors. Prompt treatment is essential, as patients may worsen acutely, though overall prognosis is reassuring.

SUMMARY

MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 has varied clinical manifestations. Clinicians must be aware of the common presentation and potential for decompensation and cardiac sequalae to guide appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Cardiac Manifestations in Children with SARS-COV-2 Infection: 1-Year Pediatric Multicenter Experience

Since the spread of COVID-19, pediatric patients were initially considered less affected by SARS-COV-2, but current literature reported subsets of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). This study aims to describe the cardiac manifestation of SARS-COV-2 infection in a large cohort of children admitted to two Italian pediatric referral centers. Between March 2020 and March 2021, we performed a cardiac evaluation in 294 children (mean age 9 ± 5.9 years, male 60%) with active or previous SARS-COV-2 infection. Twenty-six showed ECG abnormalities: 63 repolarization anomalies, 13 Long QTc, five premature ventricular beats, two non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, and one atrial fibrillation. In total, 146 patients underwent cardiac biomarkers: NT-proBNP was elevated in 57, troponin in 34. An echocardiogram was performed in 98, showing 54 cardiac anomalies: 27 left-ventricular dysfunction, 42 pericarditis, 16 coronaritis. MIS-C was documented in 46 patients (mean age 9 ± 4.8 years, male 61%) with cardiac manifestations in 97.8%: 27 ventricular dysfunctions, 32 pericarditis, 15 coronaritis, 3 arrhythmias. All patients recovered, and during follow-up, no cardiac anomalies were recorded. Our experience showed that cardiac involvement is not rare in children with SARS-COV-2, and occurred in almost all patients with MIS-C. However, patients' recovery is satisfactory and no additional events were reported during FU.

Sudden cardiac death in a young boy with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC)

A previously healthy 12-year-old boy presented to the emergency department on the seventh day of illness with classical symptoms of postinflammatory multisystemic syndrome in children temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (fever, vomiting, loose stools and rashes all over the body) with COVID-19 seropositivity, high inflammatory markers and elevated cardiac enzymes with cardiogenic shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. After having improved over the first 48 hours following intravenous immunoglobulin and pulsed steroids, this young boy developed sudden cardiac arrest and died. No reversible cause could be identified at the time of resuscitation. Despite an apparent clinical recovery in the myocardial function, it is likely that the myocardium remains arrhythmogenic due to cytokine-induced myocardial inflammation. There are several reports in the literature of fatality in multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC) due to cardiovascular complication during the acute phase of the illness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sudden cardiac death in a child with MISC days after recovery from critical illness, suggesting that fatal outcome remains a potential risk during follow-up, even when there is no evidence of coronary aneurysm. Further studies are needed to identify clinical characteristics of such high-risk children presenting with MISC. We will need to follow these children closely to understand what implications they may have in the long term, and this helps in raising awareness among families of such children.

Longitudinal Outcomes for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

BACKGROUND

In spring 2020, a novel hyperinflammatory process associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was described. The long-term impact remains unknown. We report longitudinal outcomes from a New York interdisciplinary follow-up program.

METHODS

All children <21 years of age, admitted to NewYork-Presbyterian with MIS-C in 2020, were included. Children were followed at 1 to 4 weeks, 1 to 4 months, and 4 to 9 months postdischarge.

RESULTS

In total, 45 children were admitted with MIS-C. The median time to last follow-up was 5.8 months (interquartile range 1.3-6.7). Of those admitted, 76% required intensive care and 64% required vasopressors and/or inotropes. On admission, patients exhibited significant nonspecific inflammation, generalized lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Soluble interleukin (IL) IL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 were elevated. A total of 80% (n = 36) had at least mild and 44% (n = 20) had moderate-severe echocardiographic abnormalities including coronary abnormalities (9% had a z score of 2-2.5; 7% had a z score > 2.5). Whereas most inflammatory markers normalized by 1 to 4 weeks, 32% (n = 11 of 34) exhibited persistent lymphocytosis, with increased double-negative T cells in 96% of assessed patients (n = 23 of 24). By 1 to 4 weeks, only 18% (n = 7 of 39) had mild echocardiographic findings; all had normal coronaries. At 1 to 4 months, the proportion of double-negative T cells remained elevated in 92% (median 9%). At 4 to 9 months, only 1 child had persistent mild dysfunction. One had mild mitral and/or tricuspid regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of children with MIS-C present critically ill, most inflammatory and cardiac manifestations in our cohort resolved rapidly.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Follow-Up of Children After Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2 With Initial Cardiac Involvement

Background

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 (PIMS‐TS) is an inflammatory disease occurring in a small minority of children a few weeks after acute infection. Cardiac manifestations are common, but little is known about the potentially persistent heart changes after PIMS‐TS.

Purpose

To analyze the frequency and type of myocardial complications of PIMS‐TS with initial cardiac involvement assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including parametric imaging, performed 3 months after hospitalization.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Nineteen consecutive children (median age 10 years, interquartile range (IQR) 10–15 years, 74% male).

Field Strength/Sequence

Balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP, cine imaging), modified Look‐Locker (T1 mapping), T2‐prepared bSSFP (T2‐mapping), dark‐blood T2‐weighted turbo spin echo with fat suppression and phase sensitive inversion recovery (late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)) sequences at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Patients were scanned after a median of 99 days (IQR 89–104 days) from the diagnosis. MR data were reviewed by three independent observers, with 13, 2, and 5 years' experience in cardiac MRI. Pre‐ and post‐contrast T1, T2, extra‐cellular volume, and T2 signal intensity (T2 SI) ratio were calculated. Diagnosis of acute myocarditis was based on modified Lake Louise criteria. Cardiac MRI parameters were compared, where possible, to previously published pediatric normal values.

Statistical Tests

Interclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman repeatability analysis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Despite cardiac involvement including decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (median LVEF = 47%, IQR 43%–53%) and increased troponin I (median 101 ng/mL, IQR 50–661 ng/mL) during hospitalization, there were no persistent cardiac changes observed in cardiac MR at follow‐up. All patients had normal size and function of the left ventricle and normal precontrast T1 and T2 relaxation times. There were no signs of LGE. Persistent, mild pericardial effusion (8–9 mm) was found in three (16%) patients.

Data Conclusion

There were no persistent changes on cardiac MRI in a group of children approximately 3 months post hospitalization due to PIMS‐TS with cardiac involvement. This supports the hypothesis that cardiac involvement during PIMS‐TS is a form of transient inflammatory response rather than direct and potentially persistent injury from the virus.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3

First direct human-to-cat transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant

A highly transmissible severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) caused the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, which resulted the highest morbidity and mortality rates among SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV. SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 variant indicated the higher transmission among human‐to‐human and increasing hospitalisation. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was observed in domestic animals showing human‐to‐pet transmission. In the current study, we report the first direct known human‐to‐cat transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 variant within the same family. Previous findings showed that companion animals can get infected by COVID‐19 patients after 3–6 weeks; however, according to our molecular findings, the cat was infected by the viral variant at the same period. Moreover, B.1.1.7 infection caused and developed several clinical symptoms including cardiac and ocular abnormalities. Overall, our findings determined the first direct and high transmission ability of the B.1.1.7 variant from COVID‐19 affected family members to cat. This result showed that the SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.1.7 variant could have the highest transition capacity from human to domestic cat as shown for human‐to‐human. The governmental or worldwide policies should consider more detailed against the war with COVID‐19 pandemic.

The Immune and Inflammatory Basis of Acquired Pediatric Cardiac Disease

Children with acquired heart disease face significant health challenges, including a lifetime of strict medical management, multiple cardiac surgeries, and a high mortality risk. Though the presentation of these conditions is diverse, a unifying factor is the role of immune and inflammatory responses in their development and/or progression. For example, infectious agents have been linked to pediatric cardiovascular disease, leading to a large health burden that disproportionately affects low-income areas. Other implicated mechanisms include antibody targeting of cardiac proteins, infection of cardiac cells, and inflammation-mediated damage to cardiac structures. These changes can alter blood flow patterns, change extracellular matrix composition, and induce cardiac remodeling. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the immune system and cardiovascular disease can inform targeted diagnostic and treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of pediatric immune-associated cardiac diseases, challenges in the field, and areas of research with potential for clinical benefit.

Urgent surgery for COVID-19-positive pediatric patient

Background

We present a case of COVID-19–positive pediatric patient for urgent urological surgery by spinal anesthesia to avoid aerosolizing procedure.

Case presentation

A 12-year-old, COVID-19–positive boy presented for urgent wound incision and drainage at the circumcision site. Our anesthetic plan consisted of spinal anesthesia with sedation. He was transported from the COVID-19 isolation floor to the negative pressure operating room. He was placed in lateral decubitus position and oxygen was delivered through facemask. Under sedation, spinal anesthesia was achieved at first attempt. The patient maintained spontaneous ventilation without airway intervention. Patient was recovered in the operation room then transported back to the floor.

Conclusion

Spinal anesthesia is a safe alternative to general endotracheal anesthesia for many pediatric urology procedures. Effective team communication and preparation are keys when caring COVID-19–positive patient in perioperative setting to avoid minimize the risk to healthcare providers.

Cardiac Manifestations in COVID-19 Patients: A Focus on the Pediatric Population

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of the coronavirus family that emerged by the end of 2019 and led to the unpreceded COVID-19 pandemic. The virus affects multiple organs simultaneously and leads to a high rate of morbidity and mortality in all age groups. The cardiovascular system is one of the major affected organ systems. Various mechanisms including direct myocardial injury contribute to the cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive and updated search on the cardiac manifestations of COVID-19. Our search included laboratory and imaging evaluations. In addition, we added a unique section on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the cardiovascular system in the pediatric population.

Results

COVID-19 might have an effect on the cardiovascular system at various levels leading to myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, heart failure, myocarditis, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The incidence of cardiovascular complications varies among patients. This paper also provides a comprehensive summary of all the reported pediatric cases with cardiac manifestations.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary teams are crucial for adequate management of patients with COVID-19 regardless of age. Timely diagnosis is critical in reducing mortality.

Thrombotic risk in children with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review of the literature

Objective

Coagulation and inflammatory parameters are mildly altered in children with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, and laboratory evidence of a proinflammatory and procoagulant state has been noted in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). It is not clear whether this pediatric condition is related to thrombotic events. With this study we reviewed the literature for thrombotic complications in children with COVID-19 infection and MIS-C.

Data sources

We searched the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, Web Of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases (until 1 January 2021) using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and text words (their combinations and truncated synonyms): (THROMBOSIS OR THROMBOPHILIA) AND (CHILD OR CHILDREN OR INFANT) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2).

Study eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria were children with COVID-19 or SARS-COV-2 infection. The search was limited to articles published in English. Exclusion criteria were: reviews of published studies, studies published only as abstracts, letters or conference proceedings, discussion papers, animal studies, or editorials.

Results

After screening for duplicates, the initial search yielded 86 records: 12 were case reports involving 19 children; comorbidities were absent or mild in 73.7%. The most common site of thrombosis the lung (21%); the most often used drug was heparin (42%). Two studies were an international survey (n = 337 patients) and a large multicenter study (n = 186 patients with MIS-C). The risk of ischemic stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infection (0.82%) and deep venous thrombosis in MIS-C (4.3%) was lower in children than in adults.

Conclusions

Thrombodic or thromboembolic events are rare in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection and MIS-C. Nonetheless, as in adults, a high index of suspicion should be maintained in children with COVID-19 infection or MIS-C, particularly in those with comorbidities predisposing to thrombotic events.

Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

This study aimed to describe the clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Methods

We employed a literature search of databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Johns Hopkins University for articles on COVID-19-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children published between April 1, 2020, and January 15, 2021. High-quality articles were selected for analysis on the basis of their quality standard scores. Using R3.6.3 software, meta-analyses of random- or fixed-effects models were used to determine the prevalence of comorbidities. Subgroup analysis was also performed to determine heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 57 articles (2,290 pediatric patients) were included in the study. Clinical Manifestations. :ncidences of fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and musculoskeletal symptoms (myalgias or arthralgias) were 99.91% (95% CI: 99.67–100%), 82.72% (95% CI: 78.19–86.81%), 53.02% (45.28–60.68%), and 14.16% (95% CI: 8.4–21.12%), respectively. The incidences of rash, conjunctival injection, lymphadenopathy, dry cracked lips, neurologic symptoms (headache, altered mental status, or confusion), swollen hands and feet, typical Kawasaki disease, and atypical Kawasaki disease were 59.34% (95% CI: 54.73–63.87%), 55.23% (95% CI: 50.22–60.19%), 27.07% (95% CI: 19.87–34.93%), 46.37% (95% CI: 39.97–52.83%), 28.87% (95% CI: 22.76–35.40%), 28.75% (95% CI: 21.46–36.64%), 17.32% (95% CI: 15.44–19.29%), and 36.19% (95% CI: 21.90–51.86%), respectively. The incidences of coronary artery dilation, aneurysm, pericardial effusion, myocarditis, myocardial dysfunction, high troponin, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were 17.83%, 6.85%, 20.97%, 35.97%, 56.32%, 76.34%, and 86.65%, respectively. The incidences of reduced lymphocytes, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated C-reactive protein, ferritin, LDH, interleukin-6, PCT, and FIB were 61.51%, 26.42%, 77.92%, 98.5%, 86.79%, 80.59%, 89.30%, 85.10%, and 87.01%, respectively. PICU Hospitalization Rate and Mortality. The incidences of PICU hospitalization or with shock were 72.79% and 55.68%, respectively. The mortality rate was 1.00%. Conclusion and Relevance. PICU hospitalization and shock rates of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 were high, and its cumulative multiorgans and inflammatory indicators are increased, but if treated in time, the mortality rate was low.

Predictive value of cardiac markers in the prognosis of COVID-19 in children

Background and aim

Occasionally, children with COVID-19 may develop arrhythmia, myocarditis, and cardiogenic shock involving multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study aimed to identify the laboratory parameters that may predict early cardiovascular involvement in these patients.

Materials and methods

Data of 320 pediatric patients, aged 0–18 years (average age, 10.46 ± 5.77 years; 156 female), with positive COVID-19 reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction test and with cardiac biomarkers at the time of admission to the pediatric emergency department were retrospectively scanned. The age, sex, COVID-19-associated symptoms, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP), CK-MB, and troponin I levels of the patients were recorded.

Results

Fever was noted in 58.1% of the patients, cough in 29.7%, diarrhea in 7.8%, headache in 14.7%, sore throat in 17.8%, weakness in 17.8%, abdominal pain in 5%, loss of taste in 4.1%, loss of smell in 5.3%, nausea in 3.4%, vomiting in 3.8%, nasal discharge in 4.4%, muscle pain in 5%, and loss of appetite in 3.1%. The proBNP value ≥282 ng/L predicted the development of MIS-C with 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity [AUC: 0.985 (0.959–1), P < 0.001]; CK-MB value ≥2.95 with 80% sensitivity and 77.6% specificity [AUC: 0.792 (0.581–1), P = 0.026]; and troponin I value ≥0.03 with 60% sensitivity and 99.2% specificity [AUC: 0.794 (0.524–1)].

Conclusions

Cardiac markers (proBNP and troponin I), especially proBNP, could be used to detect early diagnosis of cardiac involvement and/or MIS-C in pediatric patients with COVID-19 and to predict related morbidity and mortality.

Atypical presentation of complete heart block in children with pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome: A case series of two patients

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we report two cases of children presenting with typical diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) who suffered from complete heart block requiring pacemaker placement which is an unusual presentation of PIMS-TS. We also compared it with the already existing data with similar manifestations. PIMS-TS is reported to occur in children with predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms, hemodynamic instability, and myocardial dysfunction. The implications of development of atrioventricular block during critical illness in PIMS-TS are yet unknown. Both patients had an otherwise normal cardiac structure and had no gastrointestinal symptoms but suffered complete heart block without any other identifiable etiology, both requiring temporary pacemaker placement. While one child recovered completely with medical management, the other child required permanent pacemaker placement. While we cannot be certain that COVID-19 was the cause, complete heart block appeared to be temporally related to COVID-19 infection in both patients, and hence, it is important for pediatricians to be aware of the potential manifestation of this disease.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children - Initial Therapy and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The assessment of real-world effectiveness of immunomodulatory medications for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may guide therapy.

METHODS

We analyzed surveillance data on inpatients younger than 21 years of age who had MIS-C and were admitted to 1 of 58 U.S. hospitals between March 15 and October 31, 2020. The effectiveness of initial immunomodulatory therapy (day 0, indicating the first day any such therapy for MIS-C was given) with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) plus glucocorticoids, as compared with IVIG alone, was evaluated with propensity-score matching and inverse probability weighting, with adjustment for baseline MIS-C severity and demographic characteristics. The primary outcome was cardiovascular dysfunction (a composite of left ventricular dysfunction or shock resulting in the use of vasopressors) on or after day 2. Secondary outcomes included the components of the primary outcome, the receipt of adjunctive treatment (glucocorticoids in patients not already receiving glucocorticoids on day 0, a biologic, or a second dose of IVIG) on or after day 1, and persistent or recurrent fever on or after day 2.

RESULTS

A total of 518 patients with MIS-C (median age, 8.7 years) received at least one immunomodulatory therapy; 75% had been previously healthy, and 9 died. In the propensity-score-matched analysis, initial treatment with IVIG plus glucocorticoids (103 patients) was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular dysfunction on or after day 2 than IVIG alone (103 patients) (17% vs. 31%; risk ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34 to 0.94). The risks of the components of the composite outcome were also lower among those who received IVIG plus glucocorticoids: left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 8% and 17% of the patients, respectively (risk ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.15), and shock resulting in vasopressor use in 13% and 24% (risk ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.00). The use of adjunctive therapy was lower among patients who received IVIG plus glucocorticoids than among those who received IVIG alone (34% vs. 70%; risk ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.65), but the risk of fever was unaffected (31% and 40%, respectively; risk ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.53 to 1.13). The inverse-probability-weighted analysis confirmed the results of the propensity-score-matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children and adolescents with MIS-C, initial treatment with IVIG plus glucocorticoids was associated with a lower risk of new or persistent cardiovascular dysfunction than IVIG alone. (Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).

Cardiac involvement in a child post COVID-19: a case from Lebanon

We report on an 8-year-old boy, who presented to the emergency department at our institution with fever, generalised oedema and hypotension. Investigations revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia in addition to elevated serum inflammatory markers, a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a positive COVID-19 IgG. His echocardiography was consistent with carditis in otherwise morphologically normal heart with depressed cardiac function, moderate-to-severe mitral valve regurgitation, moderate tricuspid regurgitation with an estimated right ventricular systolic pressure half systemic, trace aortic regurgitation, bilateral small pleural effusions, distended inferior vena cava and normal coronaries. He was started on inotropic support, intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone, and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children encountered in Lebanon. The presentation and management were thoroughly described in this article aiming to share our experience and to contribute to the rapidly emerging literature on this syndrome.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a dangerous pediatric complication of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review article is to provide a summary of the diagnosis and management of MIS-C with a focus on management in the acute care setting.

DISCUSSION

MIS-C is an inflammatory syndrome which can affect nearly any organ system. The most common symptoms are fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, though neurologic and dermatologic findings are also well-described. The diagnosis includes a combination of clinical and laboratory testing. Patients with MIS-C will often have elevated inflammatory markers and may have an abnormal electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. Initial treatment involves resuscitation with careful assessment for cardiac versus vasodilatory shock using point-of-care ultrasound. Treatment should include intravenous immunoglobulin, anticoagulation, and consideration of corticosteroids. Interleukin-1 and/or interleukin-6 blockade may be considered for refractory cases. Aspirin is recommended if there is thrombocytosis or Kawasaki disease-like features on echocardiogram. Patients will generally require admission to an intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION

MIS-C is a condition associated with morbidity and mortality that is increasingly recognized as a potential complication in pediatric patients with COVID-19. It is important for emergency clinicians to know how to diagnose and treat this disorder.

Systemic and organ-specific immune-related manifestations of COVID-19

Immune-related manifestations are increasingly recognized conditions in patients with COVID-19, with around 3,000 cases reported worldwide comprising more than 70 different systemic and organ-specific disorders. Although the inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is predominantly centred on the respiratory system, some patients can develop an abnormal inflammatory reaction involving extrapulmonary tissues. The signs and symptoms associated with this excessive immune response are very diverse and can resemble some autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, with the clinical phenotype that is seemingly influenced by epidemiological factors such as age, sex or ethnicity. The severity of the manifestations is also very varied, ranging from benign and self-limiting features to life-threatening systemic syndromes. Little is known about the pathogenesis of these manifestations, and some tend to emerge within the first 2 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas others tend to appear in a late post-infectious stage or even in asymptomatic patients. As the body of evidence comprises predominantly case series and uncontrolled studies, diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making is unsurprisingly often based on the scarcely reported experience and expert opinion. Additional studies are required to learn about the mechanisms involved in the development of these manifestations and apply that knowledge to achieve early diagnosis and the most suitable therapy.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric COVID-19 Patients in Osaka, Japan

The epidemiological information on characteristics, in-hospital treatments, and outcomes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among pediatric patients has not been fully evaluated in Japan. This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Osaka Prefecture, Japan, and we enrolled laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients aged ≤19 years old from January to November in 2020. Of 14,846 COVID-19 eligible patients, 1240 pediatric patients (8.4%) were registered during the study period; 329 were children aged 0–9 years (26.5%) and 911 were adolescents aged 10–19 years (73.5%). The majority of the patients exhibited mild symptoms at diagnosis (872, 70.3%), some were asymptomatic (296, 23.9%). Cluster infections occurred in child-care facilities (26, 7.9%) among children and in universities (27, 3.0%) and schools (18, 2.0%) among adolescents. The number of close-contact cases was 260 (69.0%) in children and 459 (50.4%) in adolescents. Sixty of the children (18.2%) and 90 of the adolescents (9.9%) were hospitalized. One patient received mechanical ventilation, and none underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. One patient was admitted to the intensive care unit; there were no deaths. These results are useful for recognizing the clinical course from transmission route to outcomes of this infection in pediatric patients.

Best Practice Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Children With Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS; Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, MIS-C) in Switzerland

Background: Following the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic a new disease entity emerged, defined as Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS), or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). In the absence of trials, evidence for treatment remains scarce. Purpose: To develop best practice recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children with PIMS-TS in Switzerland. It is acknowledged that the field is changing rapidly, and regular revisions in the coming months are pre-planned as evidence is increasing. Methods: Consensus guidelines for best practice were established by a multidisciplinary group of Swiss pediatric clinicians with expertise in intensive care, immunology/rheumatology, infectious diseases, hematology, and cardiology. Subsequent to literature review, four working groups established draft recommendations which were subsequently adapted in a modified Delphi process. Recommendations had to reach >80% agreement for acceptance. Results: The group achieved agreement on 26 recommendations, which specify diagnostic approaches and interventions across anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and support therapies, and follow-up for children with suspected PIMS-TS. A management algorithm was derived to guide treatment depending on the phenotype of presentation, categorized into PIMS-TS with (a) shock, (b) Kawasaki-disease like, and (c) undifferentiated inflammatory presentation. Conclusion: Available literature on PIMS-TS is limited to retrospective or prospective observational studies. Informed by these cohort studies and indirect evidence from other inflammatory conditions in children and adults, as well as guidelines from international health authorities, the Swiss PIMS-TS recommendations represent best practice guidelines based on currently available knowledge to standardize treatment of children with suspected PIMS-TS. Given the absence of high-grade evidence, regular updates of the recommendations will be warranted, and participation of patients in trials should be encouraged.

SARS-CoV-2-related MIS-C: A key to the viral and genetic causes of Kawasaki disease?

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged in April 2020 in communities with high COVID-19 rates. This new condition is heterogenous but resembles Kawasaki disease (KD), a well-known but poorly understood and clinically heterogenous pediatric inflammatory condition for which weak associations have been found with a myriad of viral illnesses. Epidemiological data clearly indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is the trigger for MIS-C, which typically occurs about 1 mo after infection. These findings support the hypothesis of viral triggers for the various forms of classic KD. We further suggest that rare inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) altering the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 may underlie the pathogenesis of MIS-C in some children. The discovery of monogenic IEIs underlying MIS-C would shed light on its pathogenesis, paving the way for a new genetic approach to classic KD, revisited as a heterogeneous collection of IEIs to viruses.

Echocardiographic Indicators Associated with Adverse Clinical Course and Cardiac Sequelae in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 causes significant cardiovascular involvement, which can be a determinant of clinical course and outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether echocardiographic measures of ventricular function were independently associated with adverse clinical course and cardiac sequelae in patients with MIS-C.

Methods

In a longitudinal observational study of 54 patients with MIS-C (mean age, 6.8 ± 4.4 years; 46% male; 56% African American), measures of ventricular function and morphometry at initial presentation, predischarge, and at a median of 3- and 10-week follow-up were retrospectively analyzed and were compared with those in 108 age- and gender-matched normal control subjects. The magnitude of strain is expressed as an absolute value. Risk stratification for adverse clinical course and outcomes were analyzed among the tertiles of clinical and echocardiographic data using analysis of variance and univariate and multivariate regression.

Results

Median left ventricular apical four-chamber peak longitudinal strain (LVA4LS) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) at initial presentation were significantly decreased in patients with MIS-C compared with the normal cohort (16.2% and 15.1% vs 22.3% and 22.0%, respectively, P < .01). Patients in the lowest LVA4LS tertile (<13%) had significantly higher C-reactive protein and high-sensitivity troponin, need for intensive care, and need for mechanical life support as well as longer hospital length of stay compared with those in the highest tertile (>18.5%; P < .01). Initial LVA4LS and LVGLS were normal in 13 of 54 and 10 of 39 patients, respectively. There was no mortality. In multivariate regression, only LVA4LS was associated with both the need for intensive care and length of stay. At median 10-week follow-up to date, seven of 36 patients (19%) and six of 25 patients (24%) had abnormal LVA4LS and LVGLS, respectively. Initial LVA4LS < 16.2% indicated abnormal LVA4LS at follow-up with 100% sensitivity.

Conclusion

Impaired LVGLS and LVA4LS at initial presentation independently indicate a higher risk for adverse acute clinical course and persistent subclinical left ventricular dysfunction at 10-week follow-up, suggesting that they could be applied to identify higher risk children with MIS-C.

Cardio-thoracic imaging and COVID-19 in the pediatric population: A narrative review

Worldwide experience about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics suggests that symptomatic disease is significantly less frequent in the pediatric age range. Nevertheless, multi-system inflammatory syndrome has been consistently reported in children and has been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exposure. In this paper we give an overview of the multimodality chest imaging of pediatric patients with suspected COVID-19, focusing on relevant differences with adults.

The importance of heart and brain imaging in children and adolescents with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) recently reported in a minority of children affected by SARS-CoV-2, mimics Kawasaki disease (KD), a medium vessel vasculitis of unknown cause. In contrast to acute COVID-19 infection, which is usually mild in children, 68% of patients with MIS-C will need intensive care unit. Myocarditis and coronary artery ectasia/aneurysm are included between the main cardiovascular complications in MIS-C. Therefore, close clinical assessment is need it both at diagnosis and during follow-up. Echocardiography is the cornerstone modality for myocardial function and coronary artery evaluation in the acute phase. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) detects diffuse myocardial inflammation including oedema/fibrosis, myocardial perfusion and coronary arteries anatomy during the convalescence and in adolescents, where echocardiography may provide inadequate images. Brain involvement in MIS-C is less frequent compared to cardiovascular disease. However, it is not unusual and should be monitored by clinical evaluation and brain magnetic resonance (MRI), as we still do not know its effect in brain development. Brain MRI in MIS-C shows T2-hyperintense lesions associated with restricted diffusion and bilateral thalamic lesions. To conclude, MIS-C is a multisystem disease affecting many vital organs, such as heart and brain. Clinical awareness, application of innovative, high technology imaging modalities and advanced treatment protocols including supportive and anti-inflammatory medication will help physicians to prevent the dreadful complications of MIS-C.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. An emerging clinical challenge for pediatric surgeons in the COVID 19 era

Background/purpose

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a potentially life-threatening condition occurring 2–6 weeks after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in previously healthy children and adolescents, characterized by clinical and laboratory evidence of multiorgan inflammation. We reported the case of a 6-year-old child presented with acute abdomen and then diagnosed with MIS-C. In addition, to better portray this new entity, we performed a systematic review of MIS-C gastrointestinal features and particularly on those mimicking surgical emergencies.

Methods

We described the clinical presentation, the diagnostic approach and the therapeutic outcomes of our MIS-C patient. Parallel to this, we conducted a systematic literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, focusing on gastrointestinal MIS-C.

Results

Our patient was initially assessed by the surgical team due to his query acute abdomen. Following the diagnosis of MIS-C with myocarditis, intravenous methylprednisolone (2 mg/Kg/day) and intravenous immunoglobulins (2 gr/Kg single infusion) were promptly started, leading to clinical improvement. According to our literature search, patients with MIS-C have a high rate of severe abdominal symptoms resembling surgical emergencies (appendicitis, obstruction, etc.) and a not negligible number of those patients have been surgically explored with variable findings.

Conclusions

We encourage pediatric surgeons in the upcoming months of COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate myocardial function prior to surgical abdominal exploration. In children with query acute abdomen, MIS-C should be promptly ruled out in order to avoid unnecessary surgeries that could worsen the already frail outcome of this new syndrome. Nevertheless, it should be considered that MIS-C might well encompass complications (e.g. appendicitis, segmental intestinal ischemia) which need swift surgical treatment.

Systemic Inflammation and COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Major Noncommunicable Diseases: Chronic Coronary Syndromes, Diabetes and Obesity

COVID-19 is currently considered an inflammatory disease affecting the entire organism. In severe forms, an augmented inflammatory response leads to the fulminant “cytokine storm”, which may result in severe multisystemic end-organ damage. Apart from the acute inflammatory response, it seems that chronic inflammation also plays a major role in the clinical evolution of COVID-19 patients. Pre-existing inflammatory conditions, such as those associated with chronic coronary diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity, may be associated with worse clinical outcomes in the context of COVID-19 disease. These comorbidities are reported as powerful predictors of poor outcomes and death following COVID-19 disease. Moreover, in the context of chronic coronary syndrome, the cytokine storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may favor vulnerabilization and rupture of a silent atheromatous plaque, with consequent acute coronary syndrome, leading to a sudden deterioration of the clinical condition of the patient. This review aims to present the current status of knowledge regarding the link between COVID-19 mortality, systemic inflammation and several major diseases associated with poor outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.

Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS): Prospective, national surveillance, United Kingdom and Ireland, 2020

BACKGROUND

Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), first identified in April 2020, shares features of both Kawasaki disease (KD) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The surveillance describes the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PIMS-TS in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

METHODS

Public Health England initiated prospective national surveillance of PIMS-TS through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Paediatricians were contacted monthly to report PIMS-TS, KD and TSS cases electronically and complete a detailed clinical questionnaire. Cases with symptom onset between 01 March and 15 June 2020 were included.

FINDINGS

There were 216 cases with features of PIMS-TS alone, 13 with features of both PIMS-TS and KD, 28 with features of PIMS-TS and TSS and 11 with features of PIMS-TS, KD and TSS, with differences in age, ethnicity, clinical presentation and disease severity between the phenotypic groups. There was a strong geographical and temporal association between SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and PIMS-TS cases. Of those tested, 14.8% (39/264) children had a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, and 63.6% (75/118) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In total 44·0% (118/268) required intensive care, which was more common in cases with a TSS phenotype. Three of five children with cardiac arrest had TSS phenotype. Three children (1·1%) died.

INTERPRETATION

The strong association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and PIMS-TS emphasises the importance of maintaining low community infection rates to reduce the risk of this rare but severe complication in children and adolescents. Close follow-up will be important to monitor long-term complications in children with PIMS-TS.

FUNDING

PHE.