Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C):
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released fresh guidelines for treating children who developed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) after being exposed to Covid-19 infection.
- MIS-C is a condition where various organs of the body are affected by inflammation. The patient develops heart problems, the severity of which may determine the line of treatment.
- It is a rare but severe hyperinflammatory condition in children and adolescents that typically occurs 2-6 weeks after a Covid-19 infection.
- It is a potentially deadly condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.
- Children with MIS-C may have a fever and various symptoms, including abdominal (gut) pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired.
MIS-C with Neurological Complications:
- In a recent study, young people with the MIS-C syndrome have shown neurological issues which were life-threatening such as strokes or severe encephalopathy (any brain disease that alters brain function or structure).
- Neurological symptoms include hallucinations, confusion, speech impairments, and problems with balance and coordination.
- The new findings strengthen the theory that the syndrome is related to a surge of inflammation triggered by an immune response to the virus.
Causes of MIS-C:
- As the Syndrome is less researched, there are varied theories as to what causes MIS-C.
- While some researchers believe that MIS-C is a delayed response to the coronavirus which in turn causes massive inflammation in the body and as a result damages organs.
- Others believe that it can also be a result of the children’s immune response making antibodies against the virus.
- There may be a genetic component as not every child develops MIS-C and the presenting symptoms are so varied.
