Cardiac Effects of COVID-19 Infection, MIS-C, and the Vaccine in Infants and Children: What Is Known and Future Implications

Am J Perinatol. 2022 Dec;39(S 01):S1-S6. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1757238. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

Abstract

The cardiac effects of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the pediatric heart has become an area of particular interest as elevated cardiac enzymes and abnormalities on echocardiogram and electrocardiogram were seen in a portion of children affected by the virus. In this article, we review the cardiac manifestations of acute COVID-19 infection, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and postvaccine myocarditis. The limited research on the effects of COVID-19 on neonates and infants is also reported. KEY POINTS: · Cardiac involvement from MIS-C is much higher than the risk of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis.. · Neonates and infants have overall been less affected by COVID-19 than adults and older children.. · At this point in time, there is limited research on the cardiac effects of COVID-19 in neonates..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Myocarditis*
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Vaccines

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related