Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome or PIMS and Coronavirus

 A mysterious illness in children has been observed around the world called Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or PIMS. It has been thought to be related to Covid-19. Physicians worldwide have observed this new condition in regions with a higher concentration of covid-19 cases. It was first observed in New York and in Europe. Until a month ago, the pediatric population represented a small percentage of documented and confirmed Covid cases . For the most part children had really been spared from major symptoms with the vast majority not presenting with the signs of the illness. And now this new illness changes the risks for children.

To date, three children in the United States have died from Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or PIMS. Most children that contract this condition seem to recover well.  Despite only a few very serious cases, there are extensive comments regarding it by the World Health Organization.  

The constellation of symptoms initially appears quite similar to other inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki’s Disease or toxic shock-like syndrome. As physicians looked more closely, they began to see differences.

These children, when tested, showed the presence of coronavirus antibodies, suggesting a prior infection with the virus, potentially two to four weeks earlier, and then presenting to the emergency room.

Symptoms of PIMS

Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome or PIMSChildren presenting with PIMS are usually quite sick.

Fever is typically present for several days. Lymph nodes can be enlarged. Parts of the body begin to turn red: The whites of their eyes, their hands, feet, mouth and tongue. Swelling of the hands and feet are also sometimes present and a rash may appear. Again, these children appear quite ill. They are often admitted to the intensive care unit.

The age range of children is broader than other conditions like Kawasaki’s syndrome where kids are usually under the age of five.

Treatment of Pediatric MultiSystem Inflammatory Syndrome

Acute treatment of PIMS is typically with similar medications to those used for other inflammatory conditions. This includes immunoglobulin infusion and steroids. Fortunately, these treatments are usually successful.

As of yesterday, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles reported four cases with one child still in the ICU.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms but it is not time to panic. Remember this is a rare disease.

How to wear a face mask

Dr. Mona Hacker, Family Practice Physician, explains how to properly wear a cloth face mask. I see many people that do not know how to wear a face mask properly and put themselves at risk. Learn tips to wear it properly and keep your self safe and protected.

Mona Hacker on with Mark Larson KOGO San Diego

Listen to a discussion about coronavirus between Mona Hacker and Mark Larson.  Aired April 8, 2020 at 8pm on KOGO AM 600 in San Diego, California

Cloth masks for protection from Covid-19

The CDC has now given guidelines for the use of a cloth mask for protection from Covid-19. This is to help slow or prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where it is difficult to maintain social distancing principles. This could be in a grocery store, doctor’s office or other place where you may be in close proximity with others.

The use of a simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus and may help people who actually have the virus from giving it to others.

My cloth mask protects you, your cloth mask protects me.

These cloth masks can be bought, but may be hard to find. It’s easy to make a mask for yourself and your family using things you likely have at home. Don’t use masks on young children, anyone who has problems breathing, is incapacitated or not able to take off their own mask if needed.

Remember these cloth masks are not surgical masks or N-95 respirator masks. The porosity of them is much higher, blocking particles about 0.3 microns in size. I’ve included some information from the CDC about simple ways to make your own mask. Send me your ideas to share with others below.

From the CDC: (reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)

Sew and No Sew Instructions

Sewn Cloth Face Covering

Sewing a facemask - materials needed

Materials

  • Two 10”x6” rectangles of cotton fabric
  • Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
  • Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine

Tutorial

1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.Sewing a facemask - step 1

2. Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.Sewing a facemask - step 2

3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.
Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.Sewing a facemask - step 3

4. Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.Sewing a facemask - step 4

Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Scissors

Tutorial

Sewing a facemask - step 1
Creating a facemask from a tshirt - step 2
Creating a facemask from a tshirt - step 3

Bandanna Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

  • Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”)
  • Coffee filter
  • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
  • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

Tutorial

Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 1
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 2
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 3
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 4
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 5
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 6
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 7

Corona Virus Update

Watch Dr. Mona Hacker review the latest information on corona virus on KUSI TV San Diego.

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