Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Neonates Born to Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection (MIS-N) and in Neonates and Infants Younger Than 6 Months with Acquired COVID-19 (MIS-C): A Systematic Review

Viruses. 2022 Apr 2;14(4):750. doi: 10.3390/v14040750.

Abstract

(1) Introduction: There is an increasing literature describing neonates born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection (MIS-N) and infants infected with SARS-CoV-2 who presented with a severe disease (MIS-C). (2) Methods: To investigate clinical features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates and infants under six months of age, we used a systematic search to retrieve all relevant publications in the field. We screened in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus for data published until 10 October 2021. (3) Results: Forty-eight articles were considered, including 29 case reports, six case series and 13 cohort studies. Regarding clinical features, only 18.2% of MIS-N neonates presented with fever; differently from older children with MIS-C, in which gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common manifestation, we displayed that cardiovascular dysfunction and respiratory distress are the prevalent findings both in neonates with MIS-N and in neonates/infants with MIS-C. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that all infants with suspected inflammatory disease should undergo echocardiography, due to the possibility of myocardial dysfunction and damage to the coronary arteries observed both in neonates with MIS-N and in neonates/infants with MIS-C. Moreover, we also summarize how they were treated and provide a therapeutic algorithm to suggest best management of these fragile infants.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; autoantibodies; children; heart; infant; infection; neonate; respiratory distress.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mothers
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related