Scientific article
OA Policy
English

Pathogenesis, immunology, and immune-targeted management of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) : EAACI Position Paper

Published inPediatric allergy and immunology, vol. 34, no. 1, e13900
Publication date2023-01
Abstract

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, but severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It develops approximately 4 weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and involves hyperinflammation with multisystem injury, commonly progressing to shock. The exact pathomechanism of MIS-C is not known, but immunological dysregulation leading to cytokine storm plays a central role. In response to the emergence of MIS-C, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) established a task force (TF) within the Immunology Section in May 2021. With the use of an online Delphi process, TF formulated clinical statements regarding immunological background of MIS-C, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and the role of COVID-19 vaccinations. MIS-C case definition is broad, and diagnosis is made based on clinical presentation. The immunological mechanism leading to MIS-C is unclear and depends on activating multiple pathways leading to hyperinflammation. Current management of MIS-C relies on supportive care in combination with immunosuppressive and/or immunomodulatory agents. The most frequently used agents are systemic steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Despite good overall short-term outcome, MIS-C patients should be followed-up at regular intervals after discharge, focusing on cardiac disease, organ damage, and inflammatory activity. COVID-19 vaccination is a safe and effective measure to prevent MIS-C. In anticipation of further research, we propose a convenient and clinically practical algorithm for managing MIS-C developed by the Immunology Section of the EAACI.

Keywords
  • Delphi
  • MIS-C
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Children
  • Clinical algorithm
  • Clinical guidance
  • Hyperinflammation
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin
  • Management
  • Steroids
  • Child
  • Humans
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / therapy
Citation (ISO format)
FELESZKO, Wojciech et al. Pathogenesis, immunology, and immune-targeted management of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) : EAACI Position Paper. In: Pediatric allergy and immunology, 2023, vol. 34, n° 1, p. e13900. doi: 10.1111/pai.13900
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0905-6157
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31downloads

Technical informations

Creation03/09/2024 06:16:20
First validation20/09/2024 09:58:12
Update19/03/2026 14:25:13
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