Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome and Rheumatic Diseases During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

A Tale of Two Pathologies: MIS-C in a Patient with Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An HIV-negative 9-year-old female was admitted to the pediatric ward at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa for investigation of a suspected rheumatic disorder complicated by proteinuria. She was subsequently diagnosed with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by class IV lupus nephritis. Further into her admission, the patient developed hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection with mild clinical symptoms. Three weeks after her initial COVID-19 diagnosis, the patient developed multisystemic inflammatory syndrome. She was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, intravenous corticosteroids, and thromboprophylaxis.

Update on the treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19

In late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in China and spread worldwide. In rare cases, children who were infected with COVID-19 may develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which could have higher mortality than COVID-19 itself. Therefore, diagnosis and management are critical for treatment. Specifically, most of the initial treatment options of MIS-C choose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids as the first-line treatment for patients. Moreover, antagonists of some cytokines are used as potential future therapeutics. Of note, therapeutic plasmapheresis can be used as a treatment for refractory severe MIS-C. We believe that each patient, especially those with comorbid conditions, should have individualized treatment based on both multidisciplinary consensus approach and expert opinion.

COVID-19 and PIMS-Two Different Entities, but the Same Trigger

COVID-19 and PIMS represent two novel pathologies that have challenged the medical world during the last two years on account of their being very similar, but yet very different. Our aim was to comparatively assess children with SARS-CoV-2 infection and PIMS in terms of symptoms, clinical findings, laboratory parameters, echocardiography, and evolution. Our retrospective study included 46 children with COVID-19 (group 1), and 20 children with confirmed PIMS (group 2). We found no significant differences in terms of age, gender, and originating area between the two groups. We noticed that fever was significantly more common in the PIMS group as compared to COVID-19 group (p = 0.0217). In terms of laboratory parameters, increased bilirubin and creatinine were significantly more frequent in children with COVID-19 (p = 0.0064/p = 0.0064), while hypoalbuminemia and elevated ESR were significantly more common in those with PIMS (p < 0.0001/p = 0.0127). Moreover, prognosis parameters such as D-dimers, NT-proBNP, and CK-MB were also found to be significantly higher in the PIMS group as compared to COVID-19 group (p = 0.0003/p = 0.0182/p = 0.0007). In terms of complications, most were identified in PIMS group, among which cardiac and liver impairment along with dehydration were significantly more common in children diagnosed with PIMS as compared to those detected with COVID-19. Similarly, children with PIMS had a significantly higher chance to have pathological echocardiography changes. Although difficult, the distinction between COVID-19 and PIMS is crucial for the patient’s long-term outcome.

Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors in patients aged less than 18 years with COVID-19 in Mexico and Mexico City

INTRODUCTION

In the paediatric population, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is usually asymptomatic or mild, but there are also severe and fatal cases.

METHODS

We analysed data on COVID-19 cases from the national and state-level databases of the Federal Ministry of Health of Mexico and the Department of Health of Mexico City to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in children. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to calculate the risk of death.

RESULTS

The national and Mexico City databases had recorded a total of 18,465 (2.8%) and 5,733 (4.2%) confirmed cases of COVID-19, respectively, in individuals aged less than 18 years as of September 2020. The median age at diagnosis was 12 years (range: 0-17). The differences between cases in the national vs Mexico City databases were: 12.5% vs 8.2% of patients were hospitalised; 6% vs 3.5% had pneumonia; 2.4% vs 1.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 1.3% vs 0.7% died. The independent risk factors significantly associated with a higher probability of death were pneumonia, hypertension, obesity, immunosuppression and intubation.

CONCLUSION

In Mexico, 2.8% of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurred in individuals under 18 years, with a median age of 12 years and a mortality of 1.3%. The identified predictors of mortality were pneumonia, admission to the ICU, obesity, hypertension, immunosuppression, diabetes, chronic lung disease and renal disease.

[Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors in patients aged less than 18 years with COVID-19 in Mexico and Mexico City]

Introduction

In the paediatric population, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is usually asymptomatic or mild, but there are also severe and fatal cases.

Methods

We analysed data on COVID-19 cases from the national and state-level databases of the Federal Ministry of Health of Mexico and the Department of Health of Mexico City to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in children. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to calculate the risk of death.

Results

The national and Mexico City databases had recorded a total of 18,465 (2.8%) and 5,733 (4.2%) confirmed cases of COVID-19, respectively, in individuals aged less than 18 years as of September 2020. The median age at diagnosis was 12 years (range: 0-17). The differences between cases in the national vs Mexico City databases were: 12.5% vs 8.2% of patients were hospitalised; 6% vs 3.5% had pneumonia; 2.4% vs 1.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 1.3% vs 0.7% died. The independent risk factors significantly associated with a higher probability of death were pneumonia, hypertension, obesity, immunosuppression and intubation.

Conclusion

In Mexico, 2.8% of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurred in individuals under 18 years, with a median age of 12 years and a mortality of 1.3%. The identified predictors of mortality were pneumonia, admission to the ICU, obesity, hypertension, immunosuppression, diabetes, chronic lung disease and renal disease.

Cellular, Antibody and Cytokine Pathways in Children with Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection and MIS-C-Can We Match the Puzzle?

The newly identified strain of the Coronaviridae family called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) recently became the most significant health threat for adults and children. Some main predictors of severe clinical course in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are age and concomitant health conditions. Therefore, the proper evaluation of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity is urgently required to understand and predict the spectrum of possible clinical phenotypes and recommend vaccination options and regimens in children. Furthermore, it is critical to characterize the nature of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in children following asymptomatic infection and COVID-19 and other related conditions such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), para-infectious and late postinfectious consequences. Recent studies involving children revealed a variety of cytokines, T cells and antibody responses in the pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, different clinical scenarios in children were observed-asymptomatic seroprevalence, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and rarely severe COVID-19 with typical cytokine storm, MIS-C, long COVID-19, etc. Therefore, to gain a better clinical view, adequate diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms, it is essential to create a realistic picture of the immunological puzzle of SARS-CoV-2 infection in different age groups. Finally, it was demonstrated that children may exert a potent and prolonged adaptive anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response, with significant cross-reactions against other human Corona Viruses, that might contribute to disease sparing effect in this age range. However, the immunopathology of the virus has to be elucidated first.

Case Report: Fatal Acute Liver Failure With Giant Cell Transformation in a Pediatric Patient Associated With MIS-C

Background: We describe the first pediatric case of a 10-month-old boy with MIS-C who developed fulminant acute liver failure with associated giant cell transformation and a fatal outcome, after ruling out other infectious, metabolic, genetic, and autoimmune causes of liver failure following the usual algorithms for approaching the etiology. Although the patient received the main treatment strategies for liver failure, he had a fatal outcome. A clinical autopsy was considered as part of the diagnostic approach, which showed evidence of giant cell transformation.

Non-thyroidal illness syndrome and SARS-CoV-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

PURPOSE

COVID-19 disease may result in a severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which in turn may alter thyroid function (TF). We assessed TF in MIS-C, evaluating its impact on disease severity.

METHODS

We retrospectively considered children admitted with MIS-C to a single pediatric hospital in Milan (November 2019-January 2021). Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) was defined as any abnormality in TF tests (FT3, FT4, TSH) in the presence of critical illness and absence of a pre-existing hormonal abnormality. We devised a disease severity score by combining severity scores for each organ involved. Glucose and lipid profiles were also considered. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, to characterize the mutual association patterns between TF and disease severity.

RESULTS

Of 26 (19 M/7F) patients, median age 10.7 (IQR 5.8-13.3) years, 23 (88.4%) presented with NTIS. A low FT3 level was noted in 15/23 (65.3%), while the other subjects had varying combinations of hormone abnormalities (8/23, 34.7%). Mutually correlated variables related to organ damage and inflammation were represented in the first dimension (PC1) of the PCA. FT3, FT4 and total cholesterol were positively correlated and characterized the second axis (PC2). The third axis (PC3) was characterized by the association of triglycerides, TyG index and HDL cholesterol. TF appeared to be related to lipemic and peripheral insulin resistance profiles. A possible association between catabolic components and severity score was also noted.

CONCLUSIONS

A low FT3 level is common among MIS-C. TF may be useful to define the impact of MIS-C on children's health and help delineate long term follow-up management and prognosis.

COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: Experiences of three centres in Turkey

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has not yet been fully elucidated and there is no clear consensus on its treatment yet.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate our patients diagnosed with MIS-C and present them to the literature in order to contribute to the better understanding of this new disease, which entered paediatric practice with the SARS-CoV-2 peak.

METHODS

In this study, 17 MIS-C cases diagnosed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were included.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 7 (41.2%) had a comorbidity. Gastrointestinal system involvement was the most prominent in the patients (70.6%). Laparotomy was performed in 3 patients due to acute abdomen. Two patients had neurological involvement. Of the patients, 15 (88.2%) received intravenous immunoglobulin and 13 (76.5%) received both intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone. Two patients received invasive mechanical ventilation and 4 patients received high flow rate nasal cannula oxygen therapy. One of our patients who needed invasive mechanical ventilation and high vasoactive-inotrope support died despite all supportive treatments including plasmapheresis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS-C picture can have a fatal course and may present with severe gastrointestinal and neurological signs. Unnecessary laparotomy should be avoided.

COVID-19: potential therapeutics for pediatric patients

The global spread of COVID-19 has imparted significant economic, medical, and social burdens. Like adults, children are affected by this pandemic. However, milder clinical symptoms are often experienced by them. Only a minimal proportion of the affected patients may develop severe and complicated COVID-19. Supportive treatment is recommended in all patients. Antiviral and immunomodulatory medications are spared for hospitalized children with respiratory distress or severe to critical disease. Up till now, remdesivir is the only USFDA-approved anti-COVID-19 medication indicated in the majority of symptomatic patients with moderate to severe disease. Dexamethasone is solely recommended in patients with respiratory distress maintained on oxygen or ventilatory support. The use of these medications in pediatric patients is founded on evidence deriving from adult studies. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving pediatric COVID-19 patients have assessed these medications' efficacy and safety, among others. Similarly, three novel monoclonal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies, bamlanivimab, casirivimab and imdevimab, have been recently authorized by the USFDA. Nonetheless, their efficacy has not been demonstrated by multiple RCTs. In this review, we aim to dissect the various potential therapeutics used in children with COVID-19. We aspire to provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence and display the mechanisms of action and the pharmacokinetic properties of the studied therapeutics. Our review offers an efficient and practical guide for treating children with COVID-19.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Admitted to a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Background  Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is characterized by persistent fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, conjunctivitis, headaches, and mucocutaneous manifestations and it can cause circulatory dysfunction, resulting in hypotension, shock, and end-organ injury in the heart and other organs and possibly death. In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical spectrum, treatment options and outcomes of children with MIS-C who were admitted to our pediatric intensive care (PICU). Materials and Methods  Clinical and laboratory findings and treatment of the patients admitted to the PICU with MIS-C between April 2020 and January 2021 were recorded, and their outcomes were evaluated. Results  Nineteen patients with a median age of 12.5 years (interquartile range (IQR): 5.8-14.0 years) were admitted. Eleven (57.8%) were males. The most frequent clinical and laboratory features were fever (100%), abdominal pain (94.7%), rash (63.1%), headache (68.4%), diarrhea (47.3%), seizure (10.5%), cardiac dysfunction (52.6%), acute kidney injury (26.3%), lymphopenia (84.2%), and thrombocytopenia (36.8%). However, 8 patients needed mechanical respiratory support, 11 patients needed inotropes, 2 patients needed plasma exchange, and 1 patient needed continuous renal replacement therapy. All patients received corticosteroids, 17 patients (89.2%) received intravenous immunoglobulin, 2 patients received anakinra, 10 patients received acetylsalicylic acid, and 6 patients received enoxaparin. Median PICU length of stay was 3 days (IQR: 2-5) and only one patient died. Conclusion  In conclusion, MIS-C may present with a variety of clinical manifestations, and it can lead to life-threatening critical illness. Most children need intensive care and the response to immunomodulation is usually favorable.

Clinical features and outcomes of 76 patients with COVID-19-related multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children

Objectives

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a less understood and a rare complication of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Given the scarce data regarding this novel disease, we aimed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of our patients with MIS-C and to evaluate the associated factors for the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.

Methods

The MIS-C patients under 18 years old diagnosed and treated in three referral centers between July 2020 and March 2021 were included. Data of the patients were retrospectively obtained from their medical records.

Results

Overall, 76 subjects (24 females) with a mean age of 8.17 ± 4.42 years were enrolled. Twenty-seven (35.5%) patients were admitted to the PICUs. The two most common systemic involvement patterns were cardiac and gastrointestinal. There was only one lethal outcome in a patient with underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Those with higher procalcitonin levels at admission were found to stay longer in the hospital (r = 0.254, p = 0.027). The risk of PICU admission increased with age (aOR: 1.277; 95% CI: 1.089–1.498; p = 0.003) and with decreased initial serum albumin levels (aOR: 0.105; 95% CI: 0.029–0.378; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Although there is a wide clinical variability among the patients with MIS-C, we suggest that those with older age and lower initial serum albumin levels merit close monitoring due to their higher risk for PICU admission.

Key Points • Although there is a wide variability regarding the management process among clinicians, MIS-C is a rare, severe, less understood complication of COVID-19 that may cause rapid clinical deterioration in the patients. • Clinicians should be aware of this condition in children with persistent fever and a family history of COVID-19. • Older age and low serum albumin levels are the independent predictors for the pediatric intensive care unit admission among MIS-C patients.

Testing for and identification of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children in the pediatric emergency department

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article summarizes updates on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) research and focuses on strategies to diagnose and manage these patients in the emergency department.

RECENT FINDINGS

MIS-C is an inflammatory syndrome that occurs approximately 4-5 weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. It is associated with symptoms such as fever, shock, abdominal pain, rash, and conjunctivitis along with laboratory abnormalities such as elevated inflammatory markers, coagulation factors, and cytokines. Patients fall into the following three subcategories: first, classic or incomplete Kawasaki; second, cardiogenic or distributive shock; or third, an inflammatory response that does not initially meet criteria of the other subcategories. Immediate treatment largely focuses on supportive care through fluid resuscitation and pressor support; however, inpatient management may also include intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, anticoagulation and at times anti-inflammatory biologics.

SUMMARY

Overall fatality rate remains low and short-term research has demonstrated self-limited sequelae. Pediatricians should focus on the timely diagnosis and identification of this inflammatory disease via clinical findings and laboratory evidence to best treat these patients.

Polyclonal expansion of TCR Vbeta 21.3+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is a hallmark of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a delayed and severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection that strikes previously healthy children. As MIS-C combines clinical features of Kawasaki disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), we aimed to compare the immunological profile of pediatric patients with these different conditions. We analyzed blood cytokine expression, and the T cell repertoire and phenotype in 36 MIS-C cases, which were compared to 16 KD, 58 TSS, and 42 COVID-19 cases. We observed an increase of serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α, IFNγ, CD25s, MCP1, IL-1RA) in MIS-C, TSS and KD, contrasting with low expression of HLA-DR in monocytes. We detected a specific expansion of activated T cells expressing the Vβ21.3 T cell receptor β chain variable region in both CD4 and CD8 subsets in 75% of MIS-C patients and not in any patient with TSS, KD, or acute COVID-19; this correlated with the cytokine storm detected. The T cell repertoire returned to baseline within weeks after MIS-C resolution. Vβ21.3+ T cells from MIS-C patients expressed high levels of HLA-DR, CD38 and CX3CR1 but had weak responses to SARS-CoV-2 peptides in vitro. Consistently, the T cell expansion was not associated with specific classical HLA alleles. Thus, our data suggested that MIS-C is characterized by a polyclonal Vβ21.3 T cell expansion not directed against SARS-CoV-2 antigenic peptides, which is not seen in KD, TSS and acute COVID-19.

Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) - Potential role for cytokines such Is IL-6

COVID-19 is a transmissible respiratory disease caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is similar to SARS or MERS. Its increased severity was noted in aged patients usually over 65 years of age. Children and young people have an asymptomatic or mild course of the disease.Unfortunately, the number of children with problems after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 recovery is increasing and their troubles resemble Kawasaki disease, although the laboratory findings seem to be different. This condition is called pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), and it is a new disease seen in children directly influenced by previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The literature reports that PIMS typically follows 2-4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical symptoms of the affected children are extremely complex, ranging from gastrointestinal to cardiovascular problems with frequent skin and mucosal manifestations, and without intensive treatment they can be fatal. The exact causes of PIMS are recently unknown, however, it is explained as hyperactivation of immunity.In this minireview, we summarize data on the prominent role of the IL-6-IL-6R-STAT3 axis in PIMS aetiopathogenesis. Therapeutic manipulation of IL-6 or IL-6 receptor could be an approach to the treatment of children with severe PIMS.

PIMS-TS, the New Paediatric Systemic Inflammatory Disease Related to Previous Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Infection-"Rheumatic Fever" of the 21st Century?

Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (PIMS-TS) is a new systemic inflammatory disease that mainly affects children. Its course in many features resembles that of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Therefore, it is interesting that the experiences with ARF can be used in the management of patients with PIMS-TS. The aim of the article is to analyse the current data on PIMS-TS in relation to ARF. PIMS-TS and ARF are associated with an abnormal immune response to specific pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 and group A streptococcus, respectively). The main symptoms of both diseases are fever and cardiac involvement. Current therapy for PIMS-TS is based on anti-inflammatory treatment: intravenous immunoglobulin (first-line), intravenous glucocorticoids (second-line), or biological therapy (third-line; including interleukin [IL]-1 antagonists, IL-6 receptor blockers, and anti-tumour necrosis factor agents). Vaccination might be good prophylaxis, but the efficacy and safety of the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have not yet been established in children. Interesting insights may be gained by considering PIMS-TS in light of what is known of ARF due to their similar courses, but there are still many unanswered questions surrounding this disease and its pathogenesis.

Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome in Japan and Comparison With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in European countries

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe Kawasaki-like illness that was first linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in European countries in the spring of 2020 and has been suggested to have overlap with Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). There are few reports of MIS-C from Asia. This observational study aimed to identify the clinical features in children presenting with KDSS in Japan over a 5-year period and to summarize similarities and differences between KDSS and MIS-C. We retrospectively collected data on patient characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, treatment, and prognosis including coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs), which were compared with data of patients with KDSS worldwide and patients with MIS-C from a review. KDSS was identified in 6 (1.1%) of 552 patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) treated at a single institution in Japan between 2015 and 2020 (1 in 2020). In patients with KDSS in Japan or worldwide vs. patients with MIS-C, KDSS was more likely to have a diagnosis of complete KD (100, 70 vs. 6.3%), a higher incidence of CAAs (50, 65 vs. 11%), and a greater requirement for vasoactive agonists (67, 67 vs. 43%) because of circulatory shock (100, 50 vs. 26%). Both KDSS and MIS-C had good prognosis (mortality 0, 6.7 vs. 1.7%). Although KDSS in Japan and MIS-C show some overlap in clinical symptoms, they are unlikely to be the same disease entity. KDSS is more likely to have a cardiovascular phenotype with CAAs and requires treatment with cardiovascular agents.

Characteristics of Children With Kawasaki Disease-Like Signs in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Recent studies have shown that several children diagnosed with COVID-19 have developed Kawasaki Disease (KD)-like symptoms. This systematic review aims to assess the demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics of children with KD-like syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate efficacy of treatments and patients' outcome. A comprehensive search was carried out systematically through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS), medRxiv, and bioRxiv by two reviewers independently for all studies or preprints data on the demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics of children with K.D-like signs during the COVID-19 outbreak. Overall, 378 studies were identified by the systematic search, of which 25 studies were included in the study. The included studies involved 599 patients in total. Thirteen studies (52%) were case reports or case series, and the rest (48%) were cohort studies. In 19 studies, patients were diagnosed with Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). In 16 studies COVID-19 was diagnosed in all patients based on their polymerase chain reaction result, serological findings, and computed tomography results. Higher C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate level were the most prevalent laboratory findings. In most studies, patients had leucopenia with marked lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and increased ferritin, as well as hyponatremia. Abnormal echocardiography and respiratory outcomes were the most common clinical outcomes. In 11 studies, all patients required intensive care unit admission. Findings of the present systematic review show that the incidence of KD-like syndrome in the COVID-19 pandemic increased significantly. Moreover, this study offers new insights in the KD-like syndrome pathogenesis and clinical spectrum during COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Dentistry in 72 Questions: An Overview of the Literature

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has significantly affected the dental care sector. Dental professionals are at high risk of being infected, and therefore transmitting SARS-CoV-2, due to the nature of their profession, with close proximity to the patient's oropharyngeal and nasal regions and the use of aerosol-generating procedures. The aim of this article is to provide an update on different issues regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 that may be relevant for dentists. Members of the French National College of Oral Biology Lecturers ("Collège National des EnseignantS en Biologie Orale"; CNESBO-COVID19 Task Force) answered seventy-two questions related to various topics, including epidemiology, virology, immunology, diagnosis and testing, SARS-CoV-2 transmission and oral cavity, COVID-19 clinical presentation, current treatment options, vaccine strategies, as well as infection prevention and control in dental practice. The questions were selected based on their relevance for dental practitioners. Authors independently extracted and gathered scientific data related to COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and the specific topics using scientific databases. With this review, the dental practitioners will have a general overview of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their practice.

The Challenges of Managing Pediatric Diabetes and Other Endocrine Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From an International Cross-Sectional Electronic Survey

BACKGROUND

Frequency, dimensions, management, and outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in children with endocrine disorders and diabetes were assessed.

METHODS

A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to the global network of endocrine societies. Respondents' professional and practice profiles, clinic sizes, their country of practice, and the impact of COVID-19 on endocrine diseases were investigated.

RESULTS

Respondents from 131 pediatric endocrine centers in 51 countries across all continents completed the survey. Routine check-ups and education were altered in most pediatric endocrine clinics. Over 20% of clinics experienced a shortage of critical medications or essential supplies. ICU treatment was required for patients with diabetes and COVID-19 in 21.2% of centers. In diabetes, 44% of respondents reported increased diabetic ketoacidosis episodes in newly diagnosed cases and 30% in established cases. Biopsychosocial and behavioral changes were explicitly reported to be occurring among pediatric patients with endocrine disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

This large global survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights that diabetes is more challenging to manage than any other pediatric endocrine disorder, with an increased risk of morbidity. Psychological distress due to COVID-19 needs to be recognized and addressed. The importance of close contact with healthcare professionals should be emphasized, and medical supplies should be readily available to all patients.

A recently explored aspect of the iceberg named COVID-19: multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)

Humanity has recently gained a novel foe named coronavirus disease 2019. Although data so far mostly suggest that children are more likely to have a favorable disease course, new concerns have been raised because of recently reported pediatric cases with hyperinflammatory conditions resembling Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Because the increasing evidence suggests that this recent hyperinflammatory condition emerged in the coronavirus disease 2019 era is a distinct clinical picture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named this novel disease multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Even if this novel disease is rare, it seems to be highly fatal. Therefore, it is urgent to understand the pathogenesis of the disease to be able to establish the appropriate treatment regimes. Concerns regarding the diagnostic process and the management of the disease have been raised even among pediatricians. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this newly occurring enigma based on the current literature and our clinical insights.