The Paediatric Intensive Care Society (PICS) in the United Kingdom has recently observed an uptick in the number of children suffering from a rare illness known as multi-system inflammatory state. Medical professionals are speculating that this could potentially be connected to Covid-19.
The Multi-system Inflammatory State
This multi-system inflammatory state is a rare medical condition that triggers inflammation in the blood vessels and subsequently results in low blood pressure. The illness can affect the entire body, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs and various other organs. Those affected by this disease often require intensive care, as their lungs, heart, and other vital organs need considerable support. Key symptoms include abdominal and gastrointestinal issues, as well as cardiac inflammation. There are also overlapping symptoms with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and Kawasaki disease.
The Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome, commonly referred to as TSS, is another rare condition that arises when specific types of bacteria enter the body and release harmful toxins. This condition can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Notable symptoms include high temperature, headache, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, difficulty in breathing, and confusion.
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is characterized as an acute inflammatory illness that affects blood vessels, typically seen in children below the age of five. Inflammation occurs in coronary arteries, responsible for supplying blood to the heart, engendering enlargement or formation of aneurysms (swelling of the artery wall). This may eventually lead to heart attacks. Symptoms of this disease include fever, rashes, cornea redness, red and cracked lips, a red tongue, and lymph node enlargement in the neck.
Relation to Covid-19
A small percentage of children exhibiting symptoms of the multi-system inflammatory state tested positive for Covid-19, thus creating ambiguity around the possible links between the inflammatory syndrome and the virus. Some medical professionals suggest that the illness might be a post-infection inflammatory response caused by an overstimulated immune system.
Cytokine Storm Syndrome
One such syndrome associated with an overactivated immune response is the Cytokine Storm syndrome. This condition can develop in response to Coronavirus, potentially leading to sepsis, multiple organ failures, and even death. This might explain why some children affected by this illness tested negative for Covid-19; it could be likely that they had already recovered from the virus before inflammation began, or the tests failed to detect the virus.
These diseases are infrequent, but it’s crucial that clinicians stay informed about potential emerging connections to ensure they provide timely and appropriate care for children and young people.
