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.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...