New syndrome linked to Covid-19

A newly identified disease found in children which is linked to Covid-19 causes significant changes in the immune system, scientists have said.

Researchers found that young patients with acute paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with Sars-cov-2 infection (PIMS-TS) have raised levels of molecules, called cytokines, and reduced levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, called lymphocytes.

While cytokines help the immune system suppress infection, overproduction of these molecules can cause severe inflammation, which can harm the patient.

The scientists said their findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, could contribute towards developing treatments that may help patients with the condition.

Dr Manu Shankar-hari, a consultant at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, who led the research, said: “PIMS-TS is a new syndrome. Ourresearchhasallowedusto provide the first description of the profound immune system changes in severely ill children with this new illness.”