An unusual case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in newborn due to covid-19 – presenting with stage 11 b necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract

Neonatal enterocolitis is the most common gastrointestinal emergency reported in preterm babies. The most common infective organism involved in the pathogenesis includes bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Until now, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) as a causative agent of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has not been reported. We report a unique case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and adolescents in newborn who presented with NEC. A 34-week-old male baby born to COVID-19-positive mother by normal vaginal delivery was admitted since birth in the special care newborn unit due to respiratory distress. Baby was COVID positive within 24 h of birth. He developed NEC at day 8 of life. He developed signs and symptoms of MIS-C. He responded to intravenous immunoglobulin and was discharged on day 16 of life. This is the first case report of MIS-C in newborn in India. Baby had NEC due to SARS-CoV2 which has not been reported until now. This case highlights the possibility of surge in newborn MIS-C postsecond wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India.