Genetic Risk factors for Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Pediatric Long COVID (GRIP)

In rare cases, children can develop a life-threatening inflammatory disease after a corona infection. This is called MIS-C (multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children). There are also children who have long-term health complaints after a corona infection. This is called 'post-COVID complaints' or 'long COVID'. It is currently not entirely clear why some children develop serious or long-term complaints after a corona infection, while most children have few to no complaints. Objective This study investigates whether children who have had MIS-C or post-COVID complaints have hereditary abnormalities in the immune system. The researchers hope that this will help them better understand why some children become so ill after a corona infection. And if we understand this better, it can ultimately lead to new and better treatments. Study design The researchers will conduct genetic research on children who have had MIS-C and children who have post-COVID complaints. They will look at genes that are important for the immune system. They will compare this with children who did have a corona infection, but did not or hardly suffer from it.