Short-term outcomes in children recovered from multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to COVID-19.
• Limited data exists on the long-term effects and sequelae following MIS-C.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate persistent sequelae in children after MIS-C, focusing on cardiac and pulmonary functions.
• To assess recovery and identify any lasting complications at 12-16 weeks post-discharge.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 21 children diagnosed with MIS-C based on WHO criteria.
• Data collection included baseline assessments and follow-up at 12-16 weeks, with echocardiography and chest X-rays.
• Evaluation of cardiac function (ejection fraction), coronary arteries, pulmonary status, and biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• Fever (85.7%) and hyper-inflammation were common presentations.
• 10 patients (47.6%) had low ejection fraction initially; 3 had impaired left ventricular function at discharge.
• No coronary artery abnormalities were observed. At follow-up, cardiac function normalized, and no pulmonary fibrosis or biochemical abnormalities persisted.

Conclusions:

• Children with MIS-C experience severe acute illness but can achieve full recovery.
• Timely and appropriate management of MIS-C leads to resolution of symptoms and absence of sequelae at medium-term follow-up.
• No significant cardiac or pulmonary long-term complications were detected in this cohort at 15 weeks post-discharge.