Definition
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome A (MIS-A) is a rare condition. It is linked to COVID-19. It leads to inflammation in the body. The digestive system, heart, brain, or other organs may be affected. It can be life-threatening.
Causes
MIS-A usually develops after a COVID-19 infection. The exact cause is not clear. It may be due to an overreaction of the immune system.
Risk Factors
MIS-A affects people 21 years old or older. The main risk for MIS-A is a recent COVID-19 infection. It can happen even if the COVID-19 infection has no symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MIS-A develop days to weeks after getting COVID-19. They may be:
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the belly, chest, or neck
- Eye redness
- Loose stools (poop)
- Being very tired
- Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Rash
- Vomiting
Severe symptoms need care right away. They include:
- Problems breathing
- Lasting chest pain
- Problems thinking or staying awake
- Pale gray or blue color to skin, lips, or nails
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.
Tests will be done to look for inflammation and organ damage. They may include:
- Blood tests
- Images such as:
- Chest x-rays—to check the lungs
- Abdominal ultrasound—to look at organs in the belly area
- Echocardiogram—to check the heart
Other tests may also be done.
Diagnosis is based on recent COVID-19 infection, symptoms, and test results.
Treatment
Treatment of MIS-A depends on how severe the symptoms are. It also depends on the affected body part. The goals are to reduce inflammation and prevent organ damage.
Supportive care may be given in the hospital. It may include:
- Oxygen—to help breathing
- Fluids—to prevent dehydration
- A breathing machine
Medicines may be given, such as:
- IV immunoglobulin—proteins to help fight infection
- Corticosteroids—to lower inflammation
- Antibiotics—to prevent or treat infections
- Low dose aspirin—to prevent blood clots
- Blood pressure medicines
- Other medicines to decrease proteins that cause inflammation
Many recover. For some, the condition is fatal or causes lasting organ damage.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of MIS-A, take steps to help prevent COVID-19 infection. This includes:
- Getting the recommended number of COVID-19 vaccine doses, if eligible
- Wearing a face mask in indoor public areas
- Practicing social distancing
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov
National Institutes of Health https://www.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
Infection Prevention and Control Canada https://ipac-canada.org
References
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/covid-19-novel-coronavirus. Accessed September 3, 2021.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mis/index.html. Accessed September 3, 2021.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a.html. Accessed September 3, 2021.
Tenforde MW, Morris SB. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: coming into focus. Chest. 2021;159(2):471-472.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Update Date: 10/05/2021