Doctors warned of new serious disease in children which may be linked to Covid
Experts say the condition seen in the last few weeks could be linked to coronavirus or could be 'another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen'
Doctors have been warned about a serious new condition seen in children in the UK in the last few weeks which may be linked to Covid-19 or could be a different disease.
A report in the Health Service Journal says an urgent alert has been 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."
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The condition is so new it does not yet have a name. Symptoms include 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 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."
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Based on the findings, paediatricians and GPs are being urged to refer children with these symptoms.
For children, the key signs of infection with the new coronavirus include a new, continuous cough, high temperature and difficult breathing.
Great Ormond Street explained: "These are similar to lots of other common illnesses. The only way you can be sure if someone has coronavirus is to test them.
"If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, please do not take them to your doctor or pharmacist – stay at home and use the NHS 111 online service at 111.nhs.uk for urgent medical advice."
However, if your child is experiencing other symptoms, it can be difficult to know when to seek medical advice, or stay at home.
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To help, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has created a handy guide for parents during the coronavirus pandemic.
It explained: "If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself.
"Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child unwell or injured.
"Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done."
According to RCPCH, parents should take their child to A&E if their child has any of the following:
Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to the touch
Has pauses in their breathing, irregular breathing or starts grunting
Severe difficult breathing, becoming agitate or unresponsive
Is going blue round the lips
Has a fit/seizure
Becomes extremely distressed, confused, lethargic or unresponsive
Developed a rash that does not disappear with pressure
Has testicular pain
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In other cases, it may be possible to resolve issues by calling your GP surgery or NHS 111. RCPCH advises this if your child has any of the following:
Is finding it hard to breathe including drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs
Seems dehydrated
Is becoming drowsy or irritable
Has extreme shivering or muscle pain
Babies under 3 months of age with a temperature above 38°C
Infants 3-6 months of age with a temperature above 39°C
All infants and children with a fever above 38°C for more than five days
Is getting worse or if you're worried
Has persistent vomiting and/or abdominal pain
Has blood in their poo or wee
Any limb injury or head injury causing reduced movement, persistent crying or drowsiness
Finally, the RCPCH advise you care for your child at home if none of the above features are present.
It added: "Continue providing your child's care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111."
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