Multi-inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS) is a rare but severe condition that mostly occurs in children exposed to the coronavirus.

MIS is an inflammatory syndrome caused by the body’s response to a pathogen, such as the coronavirus, and can affect many organs, resulting in serious health conditions. While it is rare, it’s an extremely severe condition that parents should be aware of and understand the importance of health insurance coverage to mitigate the costs associated with treatment.

What is MIS Syndrome in Children?

MIS syndrome, also known as Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS), is a severe inflammatory syndrome that typically affects children exposed to COVID-19; the condition is similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.

This disease poses a severe threat to children’s health and can affect many organs in the body, resulting in high fever, abdominal pain, lethargy, rash, swollen glands, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and other severe indications.

Researchers believe this syndrome can occur when the immune system overreacts to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. MIS syndrome tends to occur between four to six weeks after the child is exposed to COVID-19.

Symptoms of MIS Syndrome in Children

The most common symptoms of MIS syndrome include:.

Fever for more than 24 hours
Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing
Severe abdominal pain
Diarrhea and Vomiting
Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
Difficulty in being awakened or staying awake
Irritability or restlessness
Rash or pinkeye
Red or cracked lips, red tongue, or swollen hands and feet

Diagnosis of MIS Syndrome

A pediatrician may diagnose MIS syndrome, by reviewing the child’s medical history, symptoms, and conducting various tests. The diagnostic tests may include:.

Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation such as high levels of C-reactive protein and ferritin
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds or CT, to help detect abnormalities
Heart tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram to detect possible cardiac involvement
COVID-19 PCR tests to check if the child was exposed to the virus, although it may come negative initially, as the MIS syndrome occurs few weeks after exposure

Treatment of MIS Syndrome

MIS syndrome requires prompt attention and treatment from a pediatrician or a healthcare professional. The treatment may involve hospitalization to manage symptoms of multi-organ inflammation and administer medications such as:.

Intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics, if there’s a possibility of an infection
Other medications to manage inflammation

Most children treated with the right combination of medications and proper management of the symptoms recover fully without any severe complications.

However, in some severe cases, children may experience critical cardiac symptoms, such as heart failure that may require surgery and long-term medical management.

Health Insurance Coverage for MIS Syndrome in Children

The cost of treatment for MIS syndrome and other severe medical conditions, such as the COVID-19 disease, can be high. Being uninsured or underinsured can entail a severe financial impact on the family.

On the other hand, having health insurance coverage could significantly reduce the financial burden of medical costs.

Some insurance companies may provide coverage for hospitalization, medications, and medical bills that result from MIS syndrome.

The best plan is to review your health insurance policy or speak to your health insurance provider to know if your policy covers the cost of treatment for MIS syndrome in children. If your health insurance coverage does not cover MIS syndrome treatment, you can explore buying supplemental health insurance to add coverage for this condition to your policy.

Conclusion

MIS syndrome is a severe medical condition affecting children exposed to COVID-19. Although MIS syndrome is rare, its severity and potential long-term health complications pose a threat to children’s health.

Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of MIS syndrome is crucial to detect the disease early and prevent severe complications. Health insurance coverage is essential to mitigate the financial burden that comes with the cost of treatment for MIS syndrome and other severe medical conditions related to COVID-19.

Knowing your health insurance policy and the associated costs of treating MIS syndrome in children makes it easier to make informed decisions.