[Results of the Coronavirus Disease 2019-associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) National Surveillance System in Republic of Korea].

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a severe complication of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), similar to Kawasaki disease, has been reported in the United States and Europe, with the World Health Organization calling on clinicians worldwide to be vigilant for MIS-C. In response, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency operated a prospective surveillance system from June 2020 to April 2023 to assess the incidence and level of MIS-C associated with COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea. With the nationwide cooperation of pediatricians, a total of 180 suspected cases were reported. After review by the Case Assessment Committee, 146 cases were confirmed to be consistent with MIS-C, with no fatalities reported. The establishment of a prospective surveillance system for MIS-C and securing basic data, such as clinical information and epidemiological characteristics of domestic cases through national-level operations, is important as part of the preemptive prevention policies in response to COVID-19. Establishing a diagnostic system in preparation for the anticipated transition of COVID-19 patients into the general healthcare system, with the expectation of continued spread and endemicity, ongoing attention and further research are necessary to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.