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URLhttps://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome
Last Crawled2026-04-01 23:01:15 (13 days ago)
First Indexed2022-10-03 15:42:12 (3 years ago)
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Meta TitleUnderstanding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) in Adults
Meta DescriptionMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a serious inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19. Seen most often in children, it can also affect adults.
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COVID-19 is associated with a variety of potentially serious complications. These can include, but aren’t limited to, respiratory distress, blood clots, and acute kidney injury. Another possible complication is multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). This is when multiple areas of your body become inflamed after you have COVID-19. While MIS is most often associated with children, it can impact adults as well. Continue reading as we explore what we know so far about MIS in adults. MIS is a condition that’s associated with COVID-19 . In MIS, inflammation affects multiple parts of your body, which can include your: heart brain kidneys liver digestive tract lungs skin eyes Like MIS in children (MIS-C), MIS-A is associated with COVID-19. It comes on in the time shortly after you’ve had COVID-19. Generally speaking, people typically develop MIS-A about 4 to 6 weeks after having COVID-19. We’ve known that COVID-19 can cause high levels of inflammation in your body during severe illness. This is often accompanied by respiratory distress . MIS-A is different in that it doesn’t always happen with respiratory symptoms. Instead, organ systems outside of your lungs are predominantly affected. We still don’t know what exactly causes MIS-A. It appears as if the condition develops due to a dysfunctional immune response in the time after having COVID-19. It’s also unclear why some people develop MIS-A and others don’t. It’s possible that differences in the immune system and genetics between individuals may play a role. A 2021 study compared five people who had had MIS-A with healthy people. Laboratory studies found that the immune cells of people who had had MIS-A had a lower antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than those of healthy people. DNA sequencing revealed a total of 12 different variations in genes associated with the immune and antiviral response in people with MIS-A. The researchers theorize that these may contribute to MIS-A, although they note that much more research is needed to support this idea. In order to be diagnosed with MIS-A, a person must: be age 21 or older have been hospitalized for 24 hours or longer not have another more likely cause of their symptoms meet the current clinical criteria for MIS-A Diagnosing MIS-A will start with a medical history and physical exam. While collecting your medical history, a doctor will ask about your symptoms, any other medical conditions, and if you’ve recently had COVID-19. If MIS-A is suspected, the following tests may be ordered: COVID-19 test: A COVID-19 test can see if you currently have COVID-19. However, due to the time gap between COVID-19 illness and MIS-A, some people with MIS-A may not have a positive COVID-19 test at the time they get care. Blood tests: Blood tests such as those measuring C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can look for signs of inflammation in your body. Additional blood tests that may be used can include: complete blood count metabolic panel liver function tests cardiac enzyme tests D-dimer test Cardiac tests: People with MIS-A often have some sort of cardiac illness. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can measure the electrical activity in your heart, while an echocardiogram can use ultrasound to show how well your heart is working. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-ray and CT scan can aid your doctor in seeing what’s going on inside of your body. Since MIS-A is associated with COVID-19, taking steps to prevent developing COVID-19 is the best way to prevent it. This includes : staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters washing your hands frequently with soap and water avoiding contact with those who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 moving indoor activities outside, if possible improving ventilation in indoor spaces, such as by opening windows and by changing air filters regularly wearing masks and practicing physical distancing while out in public, as needed According to the CDC , it’s still unclear why some adults develop MIS-A and others don’t. Identifying specific things that put an adult at risk of MIS-A is an area of ongoing research. A 2021 review looked into the demographic features of 221 people who had had MIS-A. Within this group, it was found that people with MIS-A were more likely to be: younger male Black or Hispanic The researchers say that the reasons for the higher occurrence in these groups is unclear. They do note that the increased occurrence in Black and Hispanic people may be due to socioeconomic factors and inequalities in healthcare access. MIS-A is a serious condition that requires treatment in a hospital. However, most people do recover from it. A 2021 study included 15 people with MIS-A. While hospitalized, one-third of these individuals needed to be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) . However, none of the 15 people died. The 2021 review mentioned earlier also explored the clinical characteristics of 211 people with MIS-A. The researchers noted that people with MIS-A were seriously ill, with more than half (57%) admitted to the ICU. A total of 15 individuals (7%) died. Below, we’ll aim to briefly answer some of the additional questions that you may have about MIS-A. How common is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults? The exact incidence of MIS-A is unknown. Overall, it’s a rare condition, because most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and can be treated at home. MIS-A is also rather uncommon in those who are hospitalized with COVID-19. For example, one 2021 study found that out of 156 hospitalized people at risk of MIS-A, only 15 (9.6%) met the criteria for the condition. Is multisystem inflammatory syndrome different in children? MIS-A and MIS-C are generally similar. According to the CDC , outcomes for people with MIS-A may be more severe than for those with MIS-C. This is supported by data from the 2021 review that found that, compared with MIS-C, MIS-A was more likely to lead to: a longer hospital stay treatment with a ventilator death This finding could be due to the differences in the immune systems of adults and children as well as the higher likelihood of other underlying health conditions in adults. Are there other conditions that are similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome? Yes. MIS has drawn comparisons to a condition called Kawasaki disease (KD) . The exact cause of KD is unknown, but a viral or bacterial infection may contribute to it. Certain gene variations may also predispose a person to KD. KD mainly impacts children and has symptoms such as fever, rash, and inflammation of the extremities, mouth, and throat. Like MIS, KD is also associated with heart-related complications. MIS is a severe inflammatory condition that happens after COVID-19 and affects multiple parts of the body. While it’s more often reported in children, it can also happen in adults. It’s unclear how exactly COVID-19 leads to MIS-A. It’s also not known why some people develop it and others don’t. This difference likely comes down to individual immune and genetic factors. MIS-A is serious and needs to be treated in a hospital. If you have a history of recent COVID-19 and get symptoms such as rash, abdominal pain, and bloodshot eyes, get immediate medical care.
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Connect with us for all things health. Subscribe # What Is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) and How Does It Affect Adults? ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Meredith-Goodwin-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on October 3, 2022 - [What it is](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#what-it-is) - [MIS and COVID](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#mis-and-covid) - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#symptoms) - [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#causes) - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#treatment) - [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#prevention) - [Risk factors](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#risk-factors) - [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#outlook) - [FAQs](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#fa-qs) - [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/multi-system-inflammatory-syndrome#takeaway) COVID-19 is associated with a variety of potentially serious complications. These can include, but aren’t limited to, respiratory distress, blood clots, and acute kidney injury. Another possible complication is multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). This is when multiple areas of your body become inflamed after you have COVID-19. While MIS is most often associated with children, it can impact adults as well. Continue reading as we explore what we know so far about MIS in adults. ## [What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS)?]() MIS is a condition that’s associated with [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19). In MIS, inflammation affects multiple parts of your body, which can include your: - heart - brain - kidneys - liver - digestive tract - lungs - skin - eyes MIS can happen in both adults and children. According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a/hcp.html), MIS in adults (MIS-A) is when the condition affects someone age 21 or older. ## [How is multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to COVID?]() Like MIS in children (MIS-C), MIS-A is associated with COVID-19. It comes on in the time shortly after you’ve had COVID-19. Generally speaking, people typically develop MIS-A [about 4 to 6 weeks](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8488713/) after having COVID-19. We’ve known that COVID-19 can cause high levels of [inflammation](https://www.healthline.com/health/inflammation) in your body during severe illness. This is often accompanied by [respiratory distress](https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome). MIS-A is different in that it doesn’t always happen with respiratory symptoms. Instead, organ systems outside of your lungs are predominantly affected. ## [What are the symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults?]() According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a.html), people with MIS-A have a [fever](https://www.healthline.com/health/fever) as well as more than one of the following additional symptoms: - [dizziness](https://www.healthline.com/health/dizziness) or [lightheadedness](https://www.healthline.com/health/lightheadedness) - [skin rash](https://www.healthline.com/health/rashes) - [bloodshot eyes](https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-redness) - [abdominal pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain) - [vomiting](https://www.healthline.com/health/vomiting-causes-treatment) - [diarrhea](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea) Severe heart-related illness is also part of the main [clinical criteria of MIS-A](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a/hcp.html). As such, people with MIS-A can also have [myocarditis](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/myocarditis), [pericarditis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pericarditis), or dangerous [arrhythmias](https://www.healthline.com/health/arrhythmia). It’s also possible for MIS-A to happen with neurological signs and symptoms such as [neuropathy](https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy), [seizures](https://www.healthline.com/health/seizures), and [meningitis-like illness](https://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis). A [low platelet count](https://www.healthline.com/health/thrombocytopenia), which can lead to easy bleeding and bruising, can also occur. MIS-A can become very serious. As such, if you develop symptoms of MIS-A, go to the emergency room or call 911 or local emergency services. ## [What causes multisystem inflammatory syndrome?]() We still don’t know what exactly causes MIS-A. It appears as if the condition develops due to a dysfunctional immune response in the time after having COVID-19. It’s also unclear why some people develop MIS-A and others don’t. It’s possible that differences in the [immune system](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/fun-facts) and genetics between individuals may play a role. A [2021 study](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.718744/full) compared five people who had had MIS-A with healthy people. Laboratory studies found that the immune cells of people who had had MIS-A had a lower antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than those of healthy people. DNA sequencing revealed a total of 12 different variations in genes associated with the immune and antiviral response in people with MIS-A. The researchers theorize that these may contribute to MIS-A, although they note that much more research is needed to support this idea. ## [How is multisystem inflammatory syndrome diagnosed?]() In order to be diagnosed with MIS-A, a person must: - be age 21 or older - have been hospitalized for 24 hours or longer - not have another more likely cause of their symptoms - meet the [current clinical criteria](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a/hcp.html) for MIS-A Diagnosing MIS-A will start with a medical history and physical exam. While collecting your medical history, a doctor will ask about your symptoms, any other medical conditions, and if you’ve recently had COVID-19. As a part of the physical exam, your vital signs will be taken. This includes measuring your [blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/blood-pressure-reading-explained), [heart rate](https://www.healthline.com/health/dangerous-heart-rate), and [body temperature](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-normal-body-temperature). If MIS-A is suspected, the following tests may be ordered: - **COVID-19 test:** A [COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) can see if you currently have COVID-19. However, due to the time gap between COVID-19 illness and MIS-A, some people with MIS-A may not have a positive COVID-19 test at the time they get care. - **Blood tests:** Blood tests such as those measuring [C-reactive protein](https://www.healthline.com/health/c-reactive-protein) and [erythrocyte sedimentation rate](https://www.healthline.com/health/esr) can look for signs of inflammation in your body. Additional blood tests that may be used can include: - [complete blood count](https://www.healthline.com/health/cbc) - [metabolic panel](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests) - [liver function tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-function-tests) - [cardiac enzyme tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/cardiac-enzymes) - [D-dimer test](https://www.healthline.com/health/pulmonary-embolism-blood-tests#types) - **Cardiac tests:** People with MIS-A often have some sort of cardiac illness. An [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram) can measure the electrical activity in your heart, while an [echocardiogram](https://www.healthline.com/health/echocardiogram) can use ultrasound to show how well your heart is working. - **Imaging tests:** Imaging tests such as [X-ray](https://www.healthline.com/health/x-ray) and [CT scan](https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan) can aid your doctor in seeing what’s going on inside of your body. ## [How is multisystem inflammatory syndrome treated?]() There’s no standard way to treat MIS-A. It’s possible that you’ll be given treatments that help lower inflammation in your body. These may include [corticosteroids](https://www.healthline.com/health/corticosteroids-what-are-they) or [intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/ivig-infusion). You’ll also receive supportive care. This includes things such as: - monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and [respiratory rate](https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-respiratory-rate) - stabilizing heart and lung function - giving additional respiratory support with [supplemental oxygen](https://www.healthline.com/health/oxygen-therapy) or a [ventilator](https://www.healthline.com/health/ventilator) - ensuring that you remain [hydrated](https://www.healthline.com/health/intravenous-rehydration) ## [Can you prevent multisystem inflammatory syndrome?]() Since MIS-A is associated with COVID-19, taking steps to prevent developing COVID-19 is the best way to prevent it. This [includes](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html): - staying [up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters - [washing your hands](https://www.healthline.com/health/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently with soap and water - avoiding contact with those who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 - moving indoor activities outside, if possible - improving ventilation in indoor spaces, such as by opening windows and by changing air filters regularly - wearing masks and practicing physical distancing while out in public, as needed ## [What are the risk factors for multisystem inflammatory syndrome?]() According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a.html), it’s still unclear why some adults develop MIS-A and others don’t. Identifying specific things that put an adult at risk of MIS-A is an area of ongoing research. A [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) looked into the demographic features of 221 people who had had MIS-A. Within this group, it was found that people with MIS-A were more likely to be: - younger - male - Black or Hispanic The researchers say that the reasons for the higher occurrence in these groups is unclear. They do note that the increased occurrence in Black and Hispanic people may be due to socioeconomic factors and inequalities in healthcare access. ## [What’s the outlook for adults who have multisystem inflammatory syndrome?]() MIS-A is a serious condition that requires treatment in a hospital. However, most people do recover from it. A [2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779957) included 15 people with MIS-A. While hospitalized, one-third of these individuals needed to be treated in the [intensive care unit (ICU)](https://www.healthline.com/health/ccu-vs-icu). However, none of the 15 people died. The [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) mentioned earlier also explored the clinical characteristics of 211 people with MIS-A. The researchers noted that people with MIS-A were seriously ill, with more than half (57%) admitted to the ICU. A total of 15 individuals (7%) died. ## [Frequently asked questions]() Below, we’ll aim to briefly answer some of the additional questions that you may have about MIS-A. ### How common is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults? The exact incidence of MIS-A is unknown. Overall, it’s a rare condition, because most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and can be treated at home. MIS-A is also rather uncommon in those who are hospitalized with COVID-19. For example, one [2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779957) found that out of 156 hospitalized people at risk of MIS-A, only 15 (9.6%) met the criteria for the condition. ### Is multisystem inflammatory syndrome different in children? MIS-A and MIS-C are generally similar. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about.html), outcomes for people with MIS-A may be more severe than for those with MIS-C. This is supported by data from the [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) that found that, compared with MIS-C, MIS-A was more likely to lead to: - a longer hospital stay - treatment with a ventilator - death This finding could be due to the differences in the immune systems of adults and children as well as the higher likelihood of other underlying health conditions in adults. ### Are there other conditions that are similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome? Yes. MIS has drawn comparisons to a condition called [Kawasaki disease (KD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/kawasaki-disease). The exact cause of KD is unknown, but a viral or bacterial infection may contribute to it. Certain [gene variations](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537163/) may also predispose a person to KD. KD mainly impacts children and has symptoms such as fever, rash, and inflammation of the extremities, mouth, and throat. Like MIS, KD is also associated with heart-related complications. ## [Takeaway]() MIS is a severe inflammatory condition that happens after COVID-19 and affects multiple parts of the body. While it’s more often reported in children, it can also happen in adults. It’s unclear how exactly COVID-19 leads to MIS-A. It’s also not known why some people develop it and others don’t. This difference likely comes down to individual immune and genetic factors. MIS-A is serious and needs to be treated in a hospital. If you have a history of recent COVID-19 and get symptoms such as rash, abdominal pain, and bloodshot eyes, get immediate medical care. ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - About Kawasaki disease. (2020). <https://www.cdc.gov/kawasaki/about.html> - About MIS. (2021). <https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about.html> - Behzadi F, et al. (2022). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: A case report and review of the literature. <https://jmedicalcasereports.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13256-022-03295-w> - Davogustto GE, et al. (2021). Characteristics associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome among adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection. <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779957> - Hookham L, et al. (2022). Understanding the diagnosis and management of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) in the UK: Results of a national Delphi process. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9135084/> - How to protect yourself and others. (2022). <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html> - Morris SB, et al. (2020). Case series of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection — United Kingdom and United States, March–August 2020. <https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6940e1.htm> - Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A). (2020). <https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a.html> - Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) case definition information for healthcare providers. (2021). <https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a/hcp.html> - Owens AM, et al. (2022). Kawasaki disease. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537163/> - Patel P, et al. (2021). Clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: A systematic review. <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427> - Ronit A, et al. (2021). Host genetics and antiviral immune responses in adult patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.718744/full> - Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including boosters. (2022). <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html> - Yao Q, et al. (2021). Adult presentation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) associated with recent COVID-19 infection: Lessons learnt in timely diagnosis and management. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8488713/> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Meredith-Goodwin-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on October 3, 2022 ## related stories - [Kawasaki Disease and the Coronavirus: What’s the Connection?](https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/kawasaki-disease-coronavirus?utm_source=ReadNext) - [7 Ways to Prevent the Spread of C. diff (Clostridium difficile)](https://www.healthline.com/health/ways-to-prevent-c-diff-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Locally Transmitted Malaria Detected in U.S. For First Time in 20 Years](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/locally-transmitted-malaria-detected-in-u-s-for-first-time-in-20-years?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What Is “R-naught”? Gauging Contagious Infections](https://www.healthline.com/health/r-naught-reproduction-number?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Pope Francis Expected to Be Released From The Hospital in Time for Palm Sunday](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/pope-francis-to-be-released-from-hospital-in-time-for-palm-sunday?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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Readable Markdown
COVID-19 is associated with a variety of potentially serious complications. These can include, but aren’t limited to, respiratory distress, blood clots, and acute kidney injury. Another possible complication is multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). This is when multiple areas of your body become inflamed after you have COVID-19. While MIS is most often associated with children, it can impact adults as well. Continue reading as we explore what we know so far about MIS in adults. MIS is a condition that’s associated with [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19). In MIS, inflammation affects multiple parts of your body, which can include your: - heart - brain - kidneys - liver - digestive tract - lungs - skin - eyes Like MIS in children (MIS-C), MIS-A is associated with COVID-19. It comes on in the time shortly after you’ve had COVID-19. Generally speaking, people typically develop MIS-A [about 4 to 6 weeks](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8488713/) after having COVID-19. We’ve known that COVID-19 can cause high levels of [inflammation](https://www.healthline.com/health/inflammation) in your body during severe illness. This is often accompanied by [respiratory distress](https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome). MIS-A is different in that it doesn’t always happen with respiratory symptoms. Instead, organ systems outside of your lungs are predominantly affected. We still don’t know what exactly causes MIS-A. It appears as if the condition develops due to a dysfunctional immune response in the time after having COVID-19. It’s also unclear why some people develop MIS-A and others don’t. It’s possible that differences in the [immune system](https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/fun-facts) and genetics between individuals may play a role. A [2021 study](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.718744/full) compared five people who had had MIS-A with healthy people. Laboratory studies found that the immune cells of people who had had MIS-A had a lower antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than those of healthy people. DNA sequencing revealed a total of 12 different variations in genes associated with the immune and antiviral response in people with MIS-A. The researchers theorize that these may contribute to MIS-A, although they note that much more research is needed to support this idea. In order to be diagnosed with MIS-A, a person must: - be age 21 or older - have been hospitalized for 24 hours or longer - not have another more likely cause of their symptoms - meet the [current clinical criteria](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a/hcp.html) for MIS-A Diagnosing MIS-A will start with a medical history and physical exam. While collecting your medical history, a doctor will ask about your symptoms, any other medical conditions, and if you’ve recently had COVID-19. If MIS-A is suspected, the following tests may be ordered: - **COVID-19 test:** A [COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) can see if you currently have COVID-19. However, due to the time gap between COVID-19 illness and MIS-A, some people with MIS-A may not have a positive COVID-19 test at the time they get care. - **Blood tests:** Blood tests such as those measuring [C-reactive protein](https://www.healthline.com/health/c-reactive-protein) and [erythrocyte sedimentation rate](https://www.healthline.com/health/esr) can look for signs of inflammation in your body. Additional blood tests that may be used can include: - [complete blood count](https://www.healthline.com/health/cbc) - [metabolic panel](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests) - [liver function tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-function-tests) - [cardiac enzyme tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/cardiac-enzymes) - [D-dimer test](https://www.healthline.com/health/pulmonary-embolism-blood-tests#types) - **Cardiac tests:** People with MIS-A often have some sort of cardiac illness. An [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram) can measure the electrical activity in your heart, while an [echocardiogram](https://www.healthline.com/health/echocardiogram) can use ultrasound to show how well your heart is working. - **Imaging tests:** Imaging tests such as [X-ray](https://www.healthline.com/health/x-ray) and [CT scan](https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan) can aid your doctor in seeing what’s going on inside of your body. Since MIS-A is associated with COVID-19, taking steps to prevent developing COVID-19 is the best way to prevent it. This [includes](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html): - staying [up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters - [washing your hands](https://www.healthline.com/health/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently with soap and water - avoiding contact with those who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 - moving indoor activities outside, if possible - improving ventilation in indoor spaces, such as by opening windows and by changing air filters regularly - wearing masks and practicing physical distancing while out in public, as needed According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-a.html), it’s still unclear why some adults develop MIS-A and others don’t. Identifying specific things that put an adult at risk of MIS-A is an area of ongoing research. A [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) looked into the demographic features of 221 people who had had MIS-A. Within this group, it was found that people with MIS-A were more likely to be: - younger - male - Black or Hispanic The researchers say that the reasons for the higher occurrence in these groups is unclear. They do note that the increased occurrence in Black and Hispanic people may be due to socioeconomic factors and inequalities in healthcare access. MIS-A is a serious condition that requires treatment in a hospital. However, most people do recover from it. A [2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779957) included 15 people with MIS-A. While hospitalized, one-third of these individuals needed to be treated in the [intensive care unit (ICU)](https://www.healthline.com/health/ccu-vs-icu). However, none of the 15 people died. The [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) mentioned earlier also explored the clinical characteristics of 211 people with MIS-A. The researchers noted that people with MIS-A were seriously ill, with more than half (57%) admitted to the ICU. A total of 15 individuals (7%) died. Below, we’ll aim to briefly answer some of the additional questions that you may have about MIS-A. How common is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults? The exact incidence of MIS-A is unknown. Overall, it’s a rare condition, because most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and can be treated at home. MIS-A is also rather uncommon in those who are hospitalized with COVID-19. For example, one [2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2779957) found that out of 156 hospitalized people at risk of MIS-A, only 15 (9.6%) met the criteria for the condition. Is multisystem inflammatory syndrome different in children? MIS-A and MIS-C are generally similar. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/about.html), outcomes for people with MIS-A may be more severe than for those with MIS-C. This is supported by data from the [2021 review](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2784427) that found that, compared with MIS-C, MIS-A was more likely to lead to: - a longer hospital stay - treatment with a ventilator - death This finding could be due to the differences in the immune systems of adults and children as well as the higher likelihood of other underlying health conditions in adults. Are there other conditions that are similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome? Yes. MIS has drawn comparisons to a condition called [Kawasaki disease (KD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/kawasaki-disease). The exact cause of KD is unknown, but a viral or bacterial infection may contribute to it. Certain [gene variations](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537163/) may also predispose a person to KD. KD mainly impacts children and has symptoms such as fever, rash, and inflammation of the extremities, mouth, and throat. Like MIS, KD is also associated with heart-related complications. MIS is a severe inflammatory condition that happens after COVID-19 and affects multiple parts of the body. While it’s more often reported in children, it can also happen in adults. It’s unclear how exactly COVID-19 leads to MIS-A. It’s also not known why some people develop it and others don’t. This difference likely comes down to individual immune and genetic factors. MIS-A is serious and needs to be treated in a hospital. If you have a history of recent COVID-19 and get symptoms such as rash, abdominal pain, and bloodshot eyes, get immediate medical care.
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