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MIS-C, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, is a delayed complication of COVID-19 in children with symptoms mimicking presentation of toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease. Children may present with fever, abdominal pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, and may experience hypotension, blood clotting and shock. At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Florida we have treated roughly 30 MIS-C patients since August. As such, our team has had to respond quickly to develop inclusion criteria (Fig 1) and establish interventions (Fig 2) to rapidly identify and safely treat these patients. Identification involves both labs to confirm COVID-19 infection (PCRs), though patients with negative PCRs may still present with MIS-C symptoms that require critical care.¹ Here we present a pediatric case of MIS-C demonstrating our approach in addressing the specific resuscitation needs of these patients.

A 15-year old female patient was brought to our ER with fever and reported episodes of syncope. Upon examination the patient had bilateral conjunctivitis, shortness of breath, truncal and bilateral lower extremity macular rash, shallow tachypnea and fever. The patient’s mom is an essential worker and previously tested positive for COVID-19. Our patient had a positive antibody (igG) test with a negative PCR test, but her symptoms strongly aligned with a MIS-C diagnosis.

The patient was hypotensive with elevated heart rate (BP 81/30, HR 166), slurred speech and was difficult to arouse. As part of our established MIS-C algorithm (Fig 2), we provided initial NS fluid boluses at 20ml/kg using LifeFlow over 4 minutes, delivering a total of 1L. Careful assessment of lung sounds and heart tones were done after each bolus. After the 3^rd bolus the patient’s BP had risen to112/72. Once stable we started Vasopressin of 0.0005 mcg/kg/min and were able to move her to the PICU. We were pleased that this patient fully recovered and was discharged home on day 6 with aspirin therapy.

LifeFlow is well suited for this patient population requiring rapid fluids to reverse dangerous hypotension with the careful balance of managing total fluid volume. In providing quick, small boluses we were able to determine responsiveness throughout the course of treatment and make decisions that were specific to this patient. By adding LifeFlow to our treatment algorithm we can ensure that our entire ED staff recognizes the role this tool can play in MIS-C patient resuscitation.