July 23, 2020 | Elizabeth M. Dufort, M.D., Emilia H. Koumans, M.D., M.P.H., Eric J. Chow, M.D., M.P.H., Elizabeth M. Rosenthal, M.P.H., Alison Muse, M.P.H., Jemma Rowlands, M.P.H., Meredith A. Barranco, M.P.H., Angela M. Maxted, D.V.M., Ph.D., Eli S. Rosenberg, Ph.D., Delia Easton, Ph.D., Tomoko Udo, Ph.D., Jessica Kumar, D.O., Wendy Pulver, M.S., Lou Smith, M.D., Brad Hutton, M.P.H., Debra Blog, M.D., M.P.H., and Howard Zucker, M.D.
A multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In New York State, the Department of Health established surveillance to track hospitalized patients with MIS-C. Between March 1 and May 10, 2020, 191 potential cases were reported. Of these, 95 had confirmed MIS-C (with SARS-CoV-2 infection) and 4 were suspected. The majority were male, with 31% aged 0-5 years, 42% aged 6-12 years, and 26% aged 13-20 years. All patients presented with fever or chills, with 97% having tachycardia, 80% gastrointestinal symptoms, 60% rash, and 56% conjunctival injection. Elevated inflammatory markers were common, with 62% receiving vasopressor support and 80% admitted to the ICU. Two patients died. The median hospital stay was 6 days. MIS-C was associated with cardiac dysfunction and had features similar to Kawasaki's disease, toxic shock syndrome, and other inflammatory conditions. The syndrome emerged alongside widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study highlights the need for surveillance and early identification of MIS-C, particularly in areas with high SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The findings suggest that MIS-C is a postinfectious inflammatory process linked to Covid-19. The study also notes racial and ethnic disparities in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, which may influence MIS-C incidence. Limitations include possible underreporting and underestimation of mild cases. The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and research to better understand MIS-C and its long-term implications.A multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In New York State, the Department of Health established surveillance to track hospitalized patients with MIS-C. Between March 1 and May 10, 2020, 191 potential cases were reported. Of these, 95 had confirmed MIS-C (with SARS-CoV-2 infection) and 4 were suspected. The majority were male, with 31% aged 0-5 years, 42% aged 6-12 years, and 26% aged 13-20 years. All patients presented with fever or chills, with 97% having tachycardia, 80% gastrointestinal symptoms, 60% rash, and 56% conjunctival injection. Elevated inflammatory markers were common, with 62% receiving vasopressor support and 80% admitted to the ICU. Two patients died. The median hospital stay was 6 days. MIS-C was associated with cardiac dysfunction and had features similar to Kawasaki's disease, toxic shock syndrome, and other inflammatory conditions. The syndrome emerged alongside widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study highlights the need for surveillance and early identification of MIS-C, particularly in areas with high SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The findings suggest that MIS-C is a postinfectious inflammatory process linked to Covid-19. The study also notes racial and ethnic disparities in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, which may influence MIS-C incidence. Limitations include possible underreporting and underestimation of mild cases. The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and research to better understand MIS-C and its long-term implications.