Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children

Abstract

In April 2020, reports from the United Kingdom documented a presentation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children, in some with features similar to incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) or toxic shock syndrome1. This presentation was subsequently called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)2. It is defined as the presence of persistent fever, inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction, with evidence of past or recent temporarily associated SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to the exclusion of other microbial causes3. In some documented cases, the syndrome has presented late, around 2 to 6 weeks after the onset of the index illness.