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COVID-19 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): a hospital-based prospective cohort study
Arun Tiwari1, Suma Balan1, Abdul Rauf2
1Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India.
Insights
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) following COVID-19 presents with diverse symptoms. While most children recover well, some experience echocardiographic changes, and hyperferritinemia indicates a need for mechanical ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition linked to COVID-19.
- Understanding its epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological factors, clinical profile, and outcomes of MIS-C in children.
- To analyze clinical presentations across different age groups.
- To assess medium-term outcomes and identify predictors of disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary care centers in Kerala, India.
- 41 children diagnosed with MIS-C according to CDC criteria were enrolled.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square/Fisher's exact tests and t-tests/Mann-Whitney tests, with Bonferroni's correction.
Main Results:
- The study included 41 children with MIS-C (mean age 6.2 years); 80% were previously healthy.
- Echocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 56%, with 37% showing coronary issues.
- Intensive care was needed for 88%, mechanical ventilation for 20%, and 5% of patients died. Hyperferritinemia was linked to mechanical ventilation (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- MIS-C presents with a wide spectrum of illness, from mild symptoms to multiorgan dysfunction.
- Outcomes are generally excellent, with most patients recovering, though some have residual echocardiographic changes.
- Hyperferritinemia is a significant predictor for the need for mechanical ventilation in MIS-C patients.
Objectives:
To study (1) epidemiological factors, clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), (2) clinical profile across age groups, (3) medium-term outcomes and (4) parameters associated with disease severity.
Design:
Hospital-based prospective cohort study.
Setting:
Two tertiary care centres in Kerala, India.
Participants:
Diagnosed patients of MIS-C using the case definition of Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Statistical Analysis:
Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the categorical variables and independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the continuous variables between the subgroups categorised by the requirement of mechanical ventilation. Bonferroni's correction was used for multiple comparisons.
Results:
We report 41 patients with MIS-C, mean age was 6.2 (4.0) years, and 33 (80%) were previously healthy. Echocardiogram was abnormal in 23 (56%), and coronary abnormalities were noted in 15 (37%) patients. Immunomodulatory therapy was administered to 39 (95%), steroids and IVIg both were used in 35 (85%) and only steroids in 3 (7%) patients. Intensive care was required in 36 (88%), mechanical ventilation in 8 (20%), inotropic support in 21 (51%), and 2 (5%) patients died. Mechanical ventilation requirement in MIS-C was associated with hyperferritinaemia (p=0.001). Thirty-seven patients completed 3 months follow-up by April 2021, of whom 6 (16%) patients had some residual echocardiographic changes.
Conclusions:
Patients with MIS-C in our cohort had varied clinical manifestations ranging from fever with mild gastrointestinal and mucocutaneous involvement to fatal multiorgan dysfunction. Immediate and medium-term outcomes remain largely excellent except for the echocardiographic sequelae in a few patients which are also showing a resolving trend. Hyperferritinaemia was associated with the requirement of mechanical ventilation.
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