Today, Explained Covid, kids, and a mystery illness
May 13, 2020
Dr. Kevin Friedman, a pediatric cardiologist at Boston Children's Hospital and a renowned educator at Harvard Medical School, dives into the alarming rise of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome linked to COVID-19. He discusses how this new syndrome resembles Kawasaki disease and emphasizes the urgent need for clear definitions as cases increase. Reassuringly, he notes that while serious, the incidence is low and recovery rates are high, highlighting the resilience of children facing these health challenges amidst the pandemic.
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New Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
- A new inflammatory syndrome in children and teens, PIMS (Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome), is emerging.
- It resembles Kawasaki disease and toxic shock but seems linked to COVID-19 exposure.
PIMS vs. Kawasaki Disease
- PIMS, also called Kovasaki, shares symptoms with Kawasaki disease (KD) like fever, rash, and swollen extremities.
- However, PIMS patients show more varied symptoms and organ system involvement, especially cardiac issues.
Geographic and Ethnic Distribution of PIMS
- PIMS cases are clustered in areas heavily impacted by COVID-19, particularly New York City and surrounding areas.
- Interestingly, no cases were reported from China, possibly due to a different virus strain or ethnicity.