New Startling Numbers Show Impact Of COVID-19 Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome In Children

Hartford, CT– Connecticut Children’s physicians recently co-authored an important study about a newly described inflammatory syndrome appearing in children across the nation 2-4 weeks after a COVID-19 infection or exposure. The syndrome has since been named multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children or MIS-C. There is now concern the number of these cases may rise given the latest spikes in infection rates in states in across the country.

“Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) has affected the children here in Connecticut with some requiring intensive care. Our expert teams of intensivists, hospitalists, cardiologists, rheumatologists and infectious disease specialists have worked endlessly to create one of the most comprehensive care plans in the nation for children with this syndrome,” says Robert Parker, DO, pediatric intensivist and a co-author of the study. “It’s comforting to know this quality of care is possible right at home.”

In March & April, pediatric ICU physicians at Connecticut Children’s and pediatric hospitals across the country began seeing children who presented with fever, shock and signs of severe inflammation. The symptoms were similar to a disease called Kawasaki Disease, but this new group of patients were older, much sicker and were presenting 2-4 weeks after a COVID-19 infection or exposure.

In the study, physicians examined the clinical course of 186 children from 26 different states. This is the largest group of children described with this new syndrome and the findings were startling. The median age of the children was 8.3 years, 62% were male, and 73% were previously healthy children. 80% required intensive care, 48% require blood pressure support and 20% were mechanically ventilated. Cardiac involvement, gastrointestinal symptoms, rashes involving the skin and mucous membranes and blood disorders were common, with 90% of children having 3 or more organ systems involved. The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days, 4% of the children required life support with ECMO, and 2% died.

“Clinicians in regions of the country where COVID-19 is peaking should be aware of this syndrome in the weeks and months following a rise in cases,” said Chris Carroll, MD, co-author of the study. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have spared children from severe respiratory infections, the new syndrome, albeit rare, is a severe and life-threatening condition that needs attention.”

About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children and ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet® designated hospital. Connecticut Children’s provides more than 30 pediatric specialties along with community-based programs to uniquely care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children. Our team of pediatric experts and care coordinators bring access to breakthrough research, advanced treatments for both rare and common diseases, and innovative health and safety programs to every child. Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare for all children through convenient locations, care alliances and partnerships.