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Diagnosis & Treatment

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

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How is MIS-C Diagnosed?

How is MIS-C Diagnosed?

MIS-C is diagnosed through a variety of lab and imaging tests. Depending on what symptoms are present, tests may include:

  • Antibody test for COVID-19 virus to find out if the child has or had the COVID-19 virus infection.
  • Lab tests:
    • Blood test
    • Urine test
  • Imaging tests
    • Chest x-ray
    • Heart ultrasound (echocardiogram)
    • Abdominal ultrasound

How is MIS-C treated?

How is MIS-C treated?

A child with signs and symptoms of MIS-C should be seen by a pediatrician. Most MIS-C patients need to be treated in the hospital. The focus of treatment is to reduce inflammation and repair vital organs, to avoid serious complications. Treatment of the condition is individualized and based upon which MIS-C symptoms are present. The patient may be treated with fluids, oxygen, blood pressure medication, or other forms of supportive care. To reduce inflammation, the patient may also be treated with steroids, antibiotics, or more.

Parents or caregivers who have concerns related to MIS-C should contact their child’s pediatrician or other healthcare provider immediately.

Children who have MIS-C are treated in the hospital where doctors can continuously monitor their condition. MIS-C treatment should begin as soon as possible to reduce recovery time and the risk of complications.

At the hospital, medications may be used to treat inflammation and prevent damage to the heart, kidneys, and other organs. Medications may include intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors may provide additional treatment to help ease symptoms and increase your child’s comfort.

When a child is discharged from the hospital, parents and caregivers are advised on how to continue care for the child at home

FAQs

FAQs

MIS-C is not contagious.

The body rash in MIS-C may develop on the lower body, thighs, and/or on the chest and arms. Patients may have pink, ring-shaped patches less than an inch in diameter, and small, red spots, often in the center of the ring-shaped patches. In some patients, a dark red rash may develop on the bottom of the feet and the palms of the hands.

MIS-C symptoms may appear between two to six weeks after a COVID-19 infection

MIS-C may last for about one to two weeks. In more severe cases, children may be hospitalized for longer if their case is more severe.

MIS-C is a rare condition. It occurs in about 1 in 3,000 people younger than 21 years of age, who have had a COVID-19 infection.

Because it is a relatively new condition, there is no information currently available about the long-term impact of the condition.

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for MIS-C treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our team of pediatric specialists treat newborns through young adults with MIS-C . Our expert doctors in MIS-C provide a full range of care to properly manage the condition and avoid complications. Learn more about signs and symptoms of MIS-C. Contact us to schedule an appointment.