Childhood multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID‐19 (MIS‐C): Distinct from Kawasaki disease or part of the same spectrum?
Maria Santaniello, Caterina Matucci‐Cerinic, Valentina Natoli, Chiara Trincianti, Francesca Ridella, Angelo Ravelli
Abstract
One of the most challenging and intriguing phenomena observed during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Patients with this condition present with some clinical features similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD) and display signs and symptoms that are uncommon or rarely occur in this disorder, such as gastrointestinal complaints and myocarditis, often leading to myocardial failure and shock. In addition, patients' age is older than that of children with classic KD. Management is based on administering intravenous immunoglobulin, glucocorticoids, and anakinra in the most severe instances. It is still debated whether MIS-C and KD are different illnesses or represent a disease continuum.