PIMS-TS in Children. A rare, but serious complication of COVID-19 in Children
This rare, but serious complication associated with COVID-19 is called PIMS-TS.
PIMS-TS stands for paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). In the United States this is referred to as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the US.
PIMS-TS has been reported approximately 2-6 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in children and adults. The initial infection may be asymptomatic or mild in children and adolescents.
The overall risk for any severe COVID-19 outcomes in children in the Australian context remains extremely low. Approximately 1 in 3,200 children.
PIMS-TS is a newly described syndrome in children and the exact link between SARS-CoV-2 and PIMS-TS remains unclear.
Soo, what should I look out for? What are the symptoms?
Unhelpfully, the symptoms are very similar to gastro and a lot of other viruses. The most common symptoms are-
• Fever (for greater than 3 days)
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
•Conjunctivitis
Reach out to your doctor and voice your concerns. There are a number of telehealth services available such as kids doc on call.
As always, If you are concerned you can attend your nearest emergency department. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, call 000 for an ambulance.
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severe drowsiness or unresponsiveness
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a lot of difficulty breathing or unusual breathing
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pale, blotchy or blue skin
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fits or seizures
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a rash that doesn’t fade when you press your child’s skin
Sounds scary. What other information do we know?
The overall risk for any severe COVID-19 outcomes in children in the Australian context remains extremely low.
PIMS-TS is a newly described syndrome in children and the exact link between SARS-CoV-2 and PIMS-TS remains unclear. Please remember this is rare with only 0.032% of children who have had COVID19.
If you would like to learn more about PIMS-TS here are some resources available.
https://www.ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/PIMS-TS%20statement_Final_June%202020.docx.pdf
https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2021756?articleTools=true
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436879/
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932e2.htm#T1_down%C2%A0
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