The Issue of Post-COVID Syndrome in Children (PIMS-TS)
Abstract:
Paediatric intermittent multisystemic inflammatory syndrome temporarily associated with SARS- CoV-2 infection (PIMS-TS) is a systemic disease affecting children and adolescents, associated with prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although the proportion of children among those infected during the pandemic was relatively low (approxi mately 1.7%) and the course of infection itself was mostly asymptomatic or mild, an increase in complications in the young, approximately 2-4 weeks after infection, has been reported. Due to the similarity of symptoms, PIMS-TS is compared to Kawasaki disease, rheumatic fever or toxic shock syndrome. Fever, rash, gastrointestinal and respirato ry complaints are most commonly observed; in severe cases, toxic shock and heart failure may occur. The pathophys iological basis of the inflammatory process remains incompletely understood. A dysregulation of the immune system due to previous Covid-19 is suggested as the main cause. Despite the potentially severe course, mortality in patients remains low. Treatment is based on the administration of immunoglobulins, glucocorticosteroids and biologic drugs. This article, based on a review of the information known to date about PIMS-TS, provides a definition of the con dition, epidemiological data, description of pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of patients.
