COVID-19 complication underdiagnosed
by Shivani Sharma
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) is the inflammation of various tissues and has been cited as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Originally identified in children, a form of MIS has since been described in adults (MIS-A).
Giovanni Davogustto, MD, and colleagues identified and collected characteristics of adult patients at risk of MIS-A from electronic health records to better understand its presentation. Patients in the study were narrowed from the pool of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and separated from those experiencing acute COVID-19 infection.
The research published in JAMA Network Open showed that the average patient affected by MIS-A was younger than the average patient admitted for acute COVID-19 symptoms. Four organ systems were typically involved, with the most common being the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and hematologic system.
These data suggest a larger variation in clinical presentation, lower illness severity, and underdiagnosis of MIS-A than previously thought. With further research, more MIS-A cases can be properly identified and treated.