[COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: case series at a pediatric hospital in Peru]

Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2020 Dec 2;37(3):559-565. doi: 10.17843/rpmesp.2020.373.6126.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a new, severe and unusual condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children emerged, from which there is still much to learn. We report 8 children admitted to Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, in Lima, Perú. Their mean age was 5,1 years. Their clinical presentation included fever, acute gastrointestinal symptoms, ocular and mucocutaneous involvement. Four patients met criteria for classic Kawasaki Disease. All the patients had positive serology for SARS-CoV-2, abnormal complete blood counts and coagulation tests, and elevated inflammatory markers. Five had elevated liver enzymes and three had kidney involvement. Four patients met criteria for Macrophage Activation Syndrome. All of them received intravenous immune globulin, corticosteroids and aspirin. No coronary aneurysms were identified. Only one developed miocarditis, shock and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Most patients recovered successfully. Every child with fever, gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms, associated with prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2, should be investigated for multi-systemic compromise.

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha traído una nueva afección grave e inusual denominada Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en niños, de la cual aún hay mucho por conocer. Presentamos una serie de 8 casos atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima Perú. La edad media fue 5,1 años. La presentación clínica incluyó fiebre, problemas gastrointestinales agudos, afectación ocular y mucocutánea. Cuatro cumplieron criterios para Enfermedad de Kawasaki clásica. Todos tuvieron serología positiva para SARS-CoV-2, hemograma patológico, marcadores inflamatorios elevados y pruebas de coagulación alteradas. Cinco casos presentaron hipertransaminasemia y tres retención nitrogenada. Cuatro casos cumplieron criterios para Síndrome de Activación Macrófagica. Todos recibieron inmunoglobulina intravenosa, corticoides y ácido acetil salicílico. Ninguno desarrolló aneurismas coronarios. Solo uno presentó miocarditis, shock y requirió ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. La mayoría evolucionaron favorablemente. En todo niño con fiebre, síntomas gastrointestinales y dermatológicos; asociado a exposición al SARS-CoV-2, debe investigarse compromiso multisistémico.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • COVID-19 / blood
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Infant
  • Macrophage Activation Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Peru
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / blood
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related