The rare, Kawasaki-like coronavirus inflammatory syndrome in children: What we know

Doctors in New York and New Jersey have reported incidents of children hospitalized for a rare inflammatory disease that is believed associated with COVID-19. Much remains unknown about the syndrome, but here's what experts are saying so far: 

What is it?

Dubbed "pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome" by New York State officials, the disease causes low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat in children, with some patients developing inflammation of the heart as well as liver and kidney failure. The condition is similar to Kawasaki disease, an inflammatory condition afflicting the blood vessels, but it affects older children as well as the younger patients typically seen with Kawasaki. Most patients with the new illness have tested positive or had a family member who was exposed to coronavirus.

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How common is it? 

New York has reported 64 children hospitalized in the last three weeks, 15 of them in New York City. New Jersey has seen at least 12 cases since March, with four still hospitalized. So far, that's just a sliver of the 134,000 known cases in New Jersey, and the vast majority of children who get COVID-19 have either a mild case or no symptoms at all. 

What are the symptoms? 

Some children with the inflammatory syndrome have fallen very ill, with symptoms of cardiac failure, as well as fatigue, shortness of breath, fever and cold extremities. They also may have some symptoms of Kawasaki disease, which include red eyes, a rash over the entire body, swollen lips, deep red tongues with white spots known as strawberry tongue, and and swollen hands or feet. .

How is it treated?

Treatment varies depending on the symptoms and their severity. Most patients are admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit and receive medication to bring their pressure to normal levels and assure organs receive enough blood. Supportive care includes intravenous fluids. For Kawasaki syndrome, some receive immune globulin therapy. Some patients in New York have needed cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, though that procedure hasn't proven necessary yet in New Jersey. 

What should parents do?

Don't panic. Remember, this is a rare syndrome. If your child is overly sick and has difficulty breathing or getting out of bed, acts confused, has a high fever and rash or any of the signs of Kawasaki disease seek a prompt evaluation by a pediatrician.  Though rare, it is potentially life-threatening. There are treatments. 

Lindy Washburn is a senior healthcare reporter for NorthJersey.com. To keep up-to-date about how changes in the medical world affect the health of you and your family, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: washburn@northjersey.com Twitter: @lindywa