School-Age Child with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Case Study- Update

Abstract

Lisa Wallace

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but continues to be a life-threatening inflammatory condition that can occur up to several weeks after a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although the incidence of MIS-C cases in children have decreased 98% since 2020, MIS-C remains an important consideration when children present with persistent fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, mucocutaneous changes, and evidence of systemic inflammation because over 50% require intensive care unit hospitalization. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2023 there were 117 MIS-C children with 34% experiencing shock, 27% having cardiac dysfunction, and 3 deaths. Research data highlights that males are affected more than females and the average mean child age was seven years in 2023. Therefore, early recognition and evidence-based practice management is important due to risks, possible irreversible body damage or death. This clinical case study examines the presentation of Adam, an eight-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus who develops persistent fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, poor oral intake, lethargy, tachycardia, and hypoxemia approximately three weeks after a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. The case illustrates the importance of comprehensive pediatric assessment, recognition of clinical deterioration, evaluation for diabetic ketoacidosis and other serious illnesses, and timely escalation of care. Updated epidemiological findings, diagnostic criteria, treatment recommendations, cardiac surveillance, and nursing implications are discussed.

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