LONDON 27 Apr (ANA) - A serious new coronavirus-related syndrome is hitting children across the UK, a new report has warned.

 

The report, by the Health Service Journal, refers to an ‘urgent alert’ issued to doctors about the new syndrome, following a rise in cases over the last few weeks.

 

According to HSJ, the alert said: “[In the] last three weeks, there has been an apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.

 

“There is a growing concern that a [covid-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases.”

 

The syndrome, which is yet to be named, can cause several unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain and cardiac inflammation, according to the report.

 

While some of the children with the syndrome have tested positive for COVID-19 and some appear to have had it in the past, some have not.

 

The extent of the issue remains unclear, although the report adds that 'very small numbers are likely to have been affected.'

 

The alert added: “The cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki Disease with blood parameters consistent with severe COVID-19 in children.

 

“Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation.

 

“This has been observed in children with confirmed PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as children who are PCR negative. Serological evidence of possible preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection has also been observed.”

 

Based on the findings, paediatricians and GPs are being urged to refer children with these symptoms.

 

The evidence to date suggests that although children do develop COVID-19, very few children develop severe symptoms, even if they have an underlying health condition.(ANA)

FA/ANA/27 April 2020----