Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) – Potential Role for Cytokines Such Is IL-6

Abstract

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.