Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With Coronavirus Disease in Children: A Multi-centered Study in Belém,...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to a novel hyperinflammatory syndrome in children.
• Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) shares features with other pediatric inflammatory conditions.
• Understanding MIS-C characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with MIS-C.
• To identify common reasons for hospitalization and echocardiographic findings in MIS-C patients.
• To assess the severity and mortality associated with MIS-C.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series describing 11 children diagnosed with MIS-C.
• Analysis of clinical data including reasons for admission, echocardiography results, and organ dysfunction.
• Evaluation of patient outcomes, including mortality.

Main Results:

• The primary indications for admission included vasogenic toxic shock, Kawasaki disease, and Kawasaki disease shock syndrome.
• Echocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 63% of the pediatric patients.
• All patients exhibited multiple organ dysfunctions, with an overall mortality rate of 18%.

Conclusions:

• MIS-C is a severe condition in children, often presenting with features mimicking toxic shock and Kawasaki disease.
• The high incidence of cardiac involvement and multi-organ dysfunction highlights the critical nature of MIS-C.
• Prompt recognition and intensive management are essential to improve outcomes in children with MIS-C.