Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Children's Hospital LA Is Among Those Reporting Ties Between Patients With Inflammatory Disease And COVID-19
Courtesy of Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Across the country, doctors are reporting cases of children with a rare inflammatory condition that is linked to the coronavirus.
The illness, known as Pediatric Inflammatory Multi-System Syndrome (PIMS), is similar to a disorder known as Kawasaki Disease. Symptoms include high fever, rashes and inflammation that can affect organs, including the heart.
The doctors at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have treated 16 patients who've exhibited symptoms consistent with this condition since April. Four of them also tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, meaning they had the coronavirus before developing PIMS, said Dr. Jackie Szmuszkovicz. The pediatric cardiologist, who is a Kawasaki disease specialist, told us:
“What we’re learning is that the manifestations of the PIMS can range broadly. It can be a syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease, all the way to a syndrome that is more similar to toxic shock syndrome with some children. The concern is that it can cause coronary artery enlargement or aneurysms in children.”
Listen to her interview with Take Two, our newsroom's local news and culture show, which airs on 89.3 KPCC.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
