Attention to MIS-C Disease in Children Who Have Had COVID-19!

In children exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, MIS-C, or "multisystem inflammatory syndrome," can occur due to the virus triggering the immune system. Some children may experience COVID-19 infection without any symptoms, or in other words, "asymptomatically," or may have mild symptoms during the period when family members were infected. The absence of testing during that time does not mean that the child will not develop MIS-C. MIS-C is an important condition that requires a definitive diagnosis through specific tests performed in a hospital, and it needs to be treated quickly. This disease can cause problems in the coronary vessels that supply circulation to the heart, thereby impairing heart functions. Therefore, it is crucial for multiple departments, particularly pediatric health and diseases, pediatric infectious diseases, and pediatric cardiology, to conduct multidisciplinary follow-ups and arrange necessary treatments.

MIS-C can also develop in children who have not been tested or do not have a known COVID-19 diagnosis. Here, the inquiry about contact history is very important. There is a risk of contact with any COVID-19 patient, especially within the home, and antibody tests that provide information about previous virus infections in these patients should be conducted.

Not Every Child with COVID-19 Develops MIS-C

Those who experience COVID-19 silently or with very mild complaints can also apply to health institutions with serious symptoms, usually 2-4 weeks later (this period may vary depending on the patient), and receive a diagnosis of MIS-C. This disease does not occur in every child who has had COVID-19; there are many unknown factors, including epigenetic factors, that determine which child will develop it. What is known is that in susceptible children, even if the virus does not cause the disease, it triggers the factors leading to the disease, acting as the starting point for the event. Unlike COVID-19, it is not a contagious disease.

Attention Should Be Paid to Disease Symptoms

Although this disease is rare, due to its serious nature, it is important for families to be aware of its symptoms to assist healthcare professionals. If individuals with a history of a previous (usually 2-4 weeks ago) or currently ongoing COVID-19 infection or contact with an infected person exhibit some of the following symptoms, they should be suspected of having this disease and should immediately seek medical attention:

The presence of persistent fever above 38 degrees Celsius for more than 24 hours,
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
Rashes on the body,
Redness and congestion in the eyes without discharge (conjunctivitis),
Involvement of mucous membranes (cracked lips, red-cracked tongue, etc.),
Headaches,
Respiratory issues (rapid breathing, difficulty breathing),
Muscle and joint pain,
Peeling of the skin, especially on the hands and feet.

MIS-C is a Treatable Condition

MIS-C is a treatable condition. When properly treated, this disease does not leave lasting damage, but in untreated individuals, it can lead to serious health problems, particularly in the coronary vessels. Patients should be monitored by departments such as pediatric cardiology and pediatric infectious diseases, both during the diagnosis and treatment phases and in the post-treatment period.

Last Updated Date: 20 September 2023

Publication Date: 20 September 2023