Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: Characteristics, treatment, and outcomes

Following the rapidly increasing number of multisystem inflammatory syndromes in children (MIS-C), a similar clinical scenario has been observed in adult patients. Although its prevalence is low and probably related to underdiagnosis, its development can be associated with high mortality. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) can develop following both asymptomatic and symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and in previously healthy people. Like MIS-C, MIS-A is a multisystem disease that can involve the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, hematologic, and neurologic systems. In addition to the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of MIS-A requires laboratory evidence of inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appropriate treatment for MIS-A remains unclear; anti-inflammatory agents, including intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, are commonly used. However, there are still many unknowns regarding MIS-A. Further studies are needed to determine the true prevalence, pathogenesis, and effective treatment for MIS-A.

Automated summary

Following the emergence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a similar clinical scenario called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) has been observed. Although the prevalence of MIS-A is low and likely underdiagnosed, it can be associated with high mortality. MIS-A is a multisystem disease that affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, hematologic, and neurologic systems. The diagnosis of MIS-A requires clinical manifestations, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appropriate treatment for MIS-A is still uncertain, but anti-inflammatory agents like intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids are commonly used. Further research is needed to determine the true prevalence, pathogenesis, and effective treatment for MIS-A.