Kawasaki like illness due to COVID-19: a review of the literature.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nViral infections have been described as triggers for Kawasaki Disease (KD), a medium vessel vasculitis that affects young children. Akin to the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, there is a similar rise in the incidence of KD in children affected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has been reported to induce an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response resulting in multi-organ involvement, particularly initiated with pulmonary parenchymal damage. This review article will discuss KD-like manifestations in COVID-19 patients in the pediatric cohort.\n\n\nMETHODOLOGY\nSearch terms Kawasaki COVID-19 SARS-COV-2 PIM-TS and MIS-C were used to look for relevant articles in PubMed and Google Scholar published in the last 5 years.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThere is some evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 stimulates dysfunctional and hyperactive immune reactions mimicking KD in young patients.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nTherapeutic options, both investigational and repurposed, include intravenous immunoglobulins, steroids and anticoagulation. More studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatment options.