For a study, it was determined that Multiple novel onset autoimmune illnesses were identified as a post-infectious complication of COVID-19 infection in the adult population, and SARS-CoV-2 was proven to be exceptionally adept at inducing autoimmunity. Infections in children were more likely to be asymptomatic and mild; hence there were fewer reports. In the setting of acute COVID-19 infection, a previously healthy adolescent was diagnosed with new-onset antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). After presenting with infectious symptoms of fever, cough, congestion, and shortness of breath, a previously healthy teenage guy was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. He was discovered to have lung nodules after his condition worsened, which was unusual for COVID-19. Increased inflammatory markers, negative infection tests, and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) diagnostic for AAV were discovered during further imaging and laboratory workup.
Pulsed steroids were given to him, followed by a long taper and rituximab. Over time, the symptoms went away, and the laboratory abnormalities improved. Lesions improved after six months, test markers were within normal limits, and the patient remained asymptomatic and off medications. This study is one of the first cases of novel onset AAV presenting with an acute, symptomatic COVID-19 infection in the pediatric population. There is increasing evidence of COVID-19-induced autoimmunity in children, and pediatricians should look for new-onset autoimmune disease in COVID-19-affected children.
Reference:bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-021-02812-y
