Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children With COVID-19 in Mumbai, India

Shreepal Jain1, Supratim Sen2, Srinivas Lakshmivenkateshiah3

  • 1Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Pediatrics
|August 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in India presented with shock in 65% of cases. Steroids and IVIg were common treatments, with a good outcome and only one death in 23 pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 is a serious condition requiring prompt recognition and management.
  • Limited data exists on MIS-C presentation and outcomes in the Indian subcontinent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with MIS-C in the Mumbai metropolitan area.
  • To identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with severe disease presentation in MIS-C.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study was conducted involving 23 pediatric patients diagnosed with MIS-C according to WHO criteria.
  • Data on demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, treatments, and outcomes were collected retrospectively from hospital records.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare characteristics between patients with and without shock.

Main Results:

  • 23 children (median age 7.2 years) were included; 39.1% had positive COVID-19 RT-PCR and 30.4% had positive antibody tests.
  • 65% of patients presented in shock, associated with higher age, myocarditis, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and specific white blood cell count abnormalities.
  • Coronary artery dilation occurred in 26% of patients. Treatment predominantly involved steroids (96%) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (65%).

Conclusions:

  • This study provides initial insights into MIS-C in India, highlighting a high prevalence of shock and cardiac involvement.
  • Steroid and IVIg therapy appeared effective, leading to a favorable outcome with a single mortality.
  • Further research and extended surveillance are crucial for refining diagnostic, treatment, and monitoring guidelines for MIS-C.
Abstract