6 Month Effects of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

May 27, 2021

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) is a hyper-inflammatory response occurring in children following COVID-19 infection. While more research has been conducted on the symptoms of this syndrome, not much is known about its long-term impact on the overall health of children.

The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Journal published a study giving closer insight into the long-term effects of MIS-C. The study followed the outcomes of 46 adolescents with MIS-C (known as PIMS-TS in the United Kingdom) 6 months after being discharged from the hospital. All of the children included in the sample experienced systemic inflammation, as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.

The most notable symptoms among the findings were psychological distress such as “trauma and anxiety,” along with a reduction in “functional exercise capacity.” It is still unclear, however, if these symptoms are a result of preexisting physical and psychological conditions or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in general. Nonetheless, the most severe symptoms from MIS-C were resolved by 6 months. Future research regarding outcomes of MIS-C beyond the 6-month mark will be necessary to further understand the long-term impact of this syndrome.