Multisystem-Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

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This information was reviewed and approved by Pamela L. Zeitlin, MD, MPhil, PhD, Donald Y M Leung, MD, PhD (5/25/2020).

COVID-19 has mostly affected adults, but doctors around the country are reporting that some children who previously had COVID-19 are experiencing inflammation in the skin, eyes, blood vessels or heart.

This new syndrome has been named Multisystem-Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), formerly referred to as pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome, or PIMS. It is rare and does not seem to be affecting a large number of children.

MIS-C has signs and symptoms similar to other inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki disease, staphylococcal and streptococcal toxic shock syndromes, bacterial sepsis and macrophage activation syndromes.

 

MIS-C Can Cause

  • Toxic shock with very low blood pressure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Problems with blood circulating oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

 

Is Multisystem-Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Contagious?

Unlike COVID-19, MIS-C does not appear to be contagious.

 

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