Emerging COVID-19 Complications in Children

By Amanda Ghosh,via Multibriefs
Wednesday, July 01, 2020

The reopening of daycare programs and summer camps gives parents another reason to monitor their children for signs of a COVID-19 infection carefully.

Current data indicates that children are less vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a small proportion of those infected developed severe complications.

Prevalence of COVID-19 in Kids

The Centers for Disease Control's online tracker shows over 2.5 million cases of coronavirus and 126,739 deaths as of June 30, 2020. The totals are up from June 29, 2020, by 35,664 new cases and 370 new deaths.

According to the CDC's "Cases by Age" Chart, children between the ages of 0 and 17 make up approximately 5% of cases in the United States as of June 22. The good news is that statistics show children in this age range are the least vulnerable population.

Side Effects of COVID-19 Appearing in Children

Fortunately, children are less likely to become infected. Unfortunately, the few who do get infected may be at risk for rare but serious conditions.

Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C)

MIS-C, formerly called Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS), describes a group of symptoms such as high and persistent fever, red eyes, skin peeling on hands and feet, abdominal pain, and rashes.

Cases of MIS-C have been reported in Europe and the U.S., with deaths reported in New York, a state hit hard by COVID-19.

This syndrome has appeared in children within one to two months of a COVID infection, leading some physicians and health officials to suspect a link between COVID-19 and MIS-C.

Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki Disease is an acute illness that affects children under five years of age. Kawasaki Disease is the No. 1 cause of acquired heart disease in children, and it includes serious complications such as coronary artery dilations and aneurysms. The condition shows some seasonality, with higher cases often being reported in spring and winter.

Physicians have reported Kawasaki-like symptoms in children, which overlap with traits common to MIS-C. So, it is relatively unclear whether children are contracting Kawasaki Disease after a COVID-19 infection or a "Kawasaki-ish" inflammatory disease.

COVID Toes

COVID toes have appeared in the news cycle lately as another COVID-19-related complication striking in children. Side effects include red or purple blotches on toes and swollen toes.

Some healthcare providers believe that COVID toes are the result of virus-related inflammation in the vascular system.

A Possible Link between Inflammation and COVID-19

Scientists are still trying to understand why inflammatory syndromes are appearing in children shortly after infection.

Some hypothesize that inflammatory syndromes are the result of the body's heightened immune response to a viral infection and not the result of the virus itself.

Data shows that some children with inflammatory symptoms have tested negative for COVID-19. In contrast, others have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies and negative for coronavirus, suggesting recent infection.

Parents on the Lookout

Parents need to realize that children have the lowest prevalence of coronavirus. Physicians encourage parents not to panic as news breaks of MIS-C, Kawasaki Disease, and COVID Toes, and to exercise caution instead.

Stay up to date with immunizations and routine well-baby checkups. Do not wait to take a child to the doctor if they show any of the symptoms associated with these inflammatory illnesses.

Many parents are afraid to take their kids to the doctor for fear of contracting COVID-19. Still, it is important to remember that doctors are taking several precautions to prevent transmission in their offices. In some cases, those precautions have made a trip to the doctor's office potentially safer than lunch with a few friends indoors where masks are on and off for several minutes.

The bottom line? When in doubt, speak to your pediatrician.

Amanda Ghosh, MS, BA, is a freelance writer pursuing her third degree, a BS in nursing. Previously she studied nutrition and journalism. She has worked as a Wellness Director and Adjunct Instructor. Amanda’s writing focuses on nursing and the healthcare industry. To inquire about her services as a writer or healthcare journalist, please email her at ghoshamanda@gmail.com.