Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): Implications for long COVID

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus 2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly affected people around the world, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although the pandemic has affected people of all ages, there is increasing evidence that children are less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are more likely to experience milder symptoms than adults. However, children with COVID-19 can still develop serious complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This narrative review of the literature provides an overview of the epidemiology and immune pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and MIS-C in children. The review also examines the genetics of COVID-19 and MIS-C in children, including the genetic factors that can influence the susceptibility and severity of the diseases and their implications for personalized medicine and vaccination strategies. By examining current evidence and insights from the literature, this review aims to contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19, MIS-C, and long COVID syndromes in children.

Keywords: COVID; Children; Long-COVID; MIS-C.

Fig. 1

Cytokine storm syndromes (figure adapted from ref. (Buszko et al. 2021)). (Assoc association, CRS cytokine release syndrome, EBV Epstein–Barr virus, HLH hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, Malig, malignancy, MAS macrophage activation syndrome, SJIA systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.)

Fig. 2

Immunopathology of MIS-C (figure adapted from ref. (Buszko et al. 2021)). Ab autoantibodies, GI gastrointestinal)