URMC issues important warning about Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Written by Site Hub on May 18, 2020
University of Rochester Medical Center doctors released information to the public this week about Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) caused in children by an immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The release occurred on the same day that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced during his daily briefing that there are now 110 known cases and that infants and young adults as old as 21 years of age can experience PMIS.
URMC doctors urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant with the health of their children since early medical intervention is critical to preventing long-term physical damage. Symptoms can start days or even weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The illness can overlap with both Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.
PMIS inflammation can occur in the skin, heart and blood vessels. Symptoms include:
– Repeated refusal of food or drink
– Fever that lasts longer than five days
– Decreased urination (amount and/or frequency)
– Skin color discoloration (pale, blue and/or patchy)
– Gastroenteritis (vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea)
– Chest problems (breathing difficulties, pain, and/or heart racing
– Cognition or mood difficulties (confusion, irritability, and/or lethargy)
URMC Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Patrick Brophy stated: “Obviously with the COVID pandemic, we’re learning as we go along… We’re working with multiple different federal and state agencies to actually document and try to identify all of the symptoms and signs that bring kids to us with PMIS.”
Doctors reiterated that families should continue to practice social distancing in public. If a child exhibits any combination of the above symptoms, parents/guardians should seek immediate assistance from the child’s pediatric doctor or visit a hospital emergency room.
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