The Pandemic has caused many of us to worry about our seniors and then we are told that children affected by the virus may experience multi-system inflammatory disease secondary to COVID-19. Of course, everyone became alarmed and tightened the “bubble” around their children. In a recent study published in NCBI, there is now concern that adults are also at risk for experiencing multi-system inflammatory disease.
The case discussed was that of a 36-year old woman who presented in the emergency department with hypotension and tachycardia after one week of fevers abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms were classic of Kawasaki’s Disease including conjunctivitis, cracked lips, edema of the hands and feet, palmar erythema, maculopapular rash and cervical lymphadenopathy.
This case represents an early report of a Kawasaki Disease-like illness in an adult with serologic evidence of a previous COVID-19 infection. The virulent strain of SARS-CoV-2 appears to cause a post-infectious inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki Disease in both pediatric and adult populations. The researchers recommend that physicians remain vigilant for secondary inflammatory syndromes that mimic Kawasaki Disease and may warrant prompt treatment with IVIG and steroids.
This is important information for those of us caring for seniors! Not only is it important to continue interventions to prevent the spread of the virus but we also need to be vigilant at assessing our residents. Remember, many people have no symptoms of the virus and a resident may present with multisystem inflammatory disease prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19. Be familiar with the symptoms, educate your staff and stay the course, we will get there! Stay well, stay safe and stay tuned!