Navigating the Spectrum of Two Pediatric COVID-19 Complications: Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

Purpose: This review summarizes the current scope of understanding associated with two common post-infectious complications associated with COVID-19 infection: Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). It identifies current gaps in the knowledge and issues that may limit the ability to fill these gaps. This review provides a framework to drive continued research.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the current literature was performed, identifying seminal articles describing the emergence of MIS-C and PASC, and works from the literature focused on the clinical implications and pathophysiologic understanding of these disorders.

Findings: Although pediatric patients experienced few severe cases of acute COVID-19 infection, the burden of disease from post-infectious sequelae is substantial. Mortality is low, but morbidity is significant. There are still numerous unknowns about the pathophysiology of both MIS-C and PASC; however, with widespread immunity developing after increased vaccination and prior infection, it may be difficult to perform adequate prospective studies to answer pathophysiologic questions. Long-term sequalae of MIS-C seem to be minimal whereas, by definition, PASC is an ongoing problem and may be severe.

Implications: The rapid sharing of information regarding novel conditions such as MIS-C and PASC are key to interventions related to future post-infectious sequelae outside of those stemming from COVID-19. Although MIS-C seems unlikely to return as a clinical condition in substantial numbers, there is still significant learning that can be gleaned from existing patients about general aspects of epidemiology, equity, and pathophysiology. There is significant morbidity associated with PASC and additional resources need to be dedicated to determining appropriate and effective therapies moving forward.

Keywords: COVID-19; ME/CFS; MISC; PASC; PIM; pediatrics.