Objectives
Although children are less likely to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a small subset of children develop serious acute illness, namely multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC). Acute MISC can cause severe disease requiring intensive medical care, and little is known about the long-term outcomes of acute MISC. Given what is known about similar inflammatory syndromes, serious COVID-19 illness is likely to have lasting effects on multiple body systems. In adults, it is estimated that approximately 10% of persons infected with COVID-19 develop a “long haul” illness, and emerging case reports highlight similar prolonged illness in adolescents. Understanding the impact of prolonged illness and the chronic manifestations of COVID-19 infections and MISC is vital for clinicians engaged in these children’s long-term care.
Methods
A current triple board resident (pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry) will provide the most recent information about chronic sequelae in children who have suffered from COVID-19 infections and MISC, including ongoing neuropsychiatric impairment and overlap with mental health disorders.
Results
Attendees will gain an understanding of the sequelae of COVID-19 and MISC, including the latest recommendations for ongoing monitoring and management. Application of this knowledge will provide improved diagnostic approaches in children who have suffered from COVID-19 and better anticipatory guidance in clinical practice.
Conclusions
Sequelae in children with COVID-19 infections and MISC are new and important entities to understand for the child and adolescent psychiatrist. Up-to-date information about the long-term effects and ongoing disease manifestation is crucial to support patients and families and to provide informed counseling regarding the course of illness and overlap with mental health disorders.
PYI, CVF