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The recent increase in COVID-19 cases could lead to an increase in cases of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in the coming weeks.
Speaking at a press conference on COVID-19 on Monday, Dr Joanne Paul, chief medical officer of the Eric Williams Center for Medical Sciences, said there are currently 40 confirmed cases of MIS-C in Trinidad. and Tobago, of which 25 are COVID-19 positive and 15 negative.
However, she said, experts expect that number to increase around the end of June and early July, as the syndrome typically presents four to six weeks after an increase in viral cases in adults.
“MIS-C typically occurs about four to six weeks after the adult COVID outbreak. So, we saw our increase in May, so we would expect that from the end of June to the beginning of July, there is a possibility of an increase in cases. With that I was talking to Dr Ronan Ramroop, he is our pediatric cardiologist and our number so far is 40 confirmed cases of MIS-C in Trinidad, we have 25 that are COVID PCR positive or antibody positive and we have some 15 that are PCR or antibody negative Remember that because MIS-C occurs after infection with COVID, it is actually an immune response to infection, so you might not be positive. NO deaths to date, ”she said.
According to Paul, the syndrome presents itself in the same way as severe COVID-19 in children, with symptoms related to the brain, heart and intestines. In these severe cases, she said, diarrhea, vomiting, high heart rate, lethargy, pallor, confusion and drowsiness are common.
“While we know that the majority of children do not have severe covid, at least one percent of them will be admitted to hospital with severe COVID, so this is not unusual. The risk factors are less than two years old, plus obesity, diabetes and genetic factors. The key thing to watch out for is not like adults where they would have respiratory signs. They would have other symptoms, for example gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal. The first thing they will have is diarrhea. We are looking at the brain, heart and gut, these three systems in particular are affected in children far more than the respiratory system. In severe COVID, you will see these three systems affected and you will need to be aware of it, ”she said.
However, MIS-C, she said, includes these symptoms with additional symptoms of the mucous membrane, red eyes, red throat, red lips, tongue, red palms, soles. red feet and COVID fingers or COVID toes.
“So there will be some bluish blackish marks almost like clots and also a rash anywhere. So for the next few weeks I am appealing to the guardians, to the parents to make sure you have high consciousness.” , she said.
In cases where young people suddenly succumb to the virus, she said, this can be attributed to genetic risk factors and the effect of the virus on the lungs and blood clots. Symptoms of severe COVID-19 in children can also be present in young people. Some, she added, may be affected by headaches.
“It’s not just for children, but for young people too, you will have headaches and they will be affected. We can say that only those who have comorbidities, only those who are older can be affected, we can be so surprised to have a young person affected. If you look for signs of them, although it’s not common, they can also have genetic factors. “
“Along with COVID-19 how it affects the lining of the lungs to cause something called ARBS (angiotensin receptor blockers), it also affects clots. It produces small clots or large clots. When you have small clots they affect your oxygen levels, so when we have low clots it can be small clots forming. When we have a big clot that could lead to sudden death, then we may still have a few cases where young people are affected by severe COVID, ”she said.
Although children have fewer viral receptors and are less able to contract and spread the virus, she said, they are still able to pass the virus to people at risk. Those who develop mild symptoms, she said, should be watched by their guardians, Paul said.
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