All hands on deck: A multidisciplinary approach to SARS-CoV-2-associated MIS-C

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• It shares features with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.
• A provincial working group was formed to manage emerging MIS-C cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a multidisciplinary working group for MIS-C in British Columbia.
• To develop and refine guidelines for MIS-C diagnosis and management.
• To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment of MIS-C patients in the province.

Main Methods:

• Established a multidisciplinary working group for MIS-C.
• Utilized World Health Organization case definition and quality improvement methods.
• Prospectively collected data on demographics, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data for evaluated children.

Main Results:

• Eleven of 52 evaluated children were diagnosed with MIS-C.
• Most MIS-C cases (10/11) presented with shock, prominent GI and mucocutaneous involvement.
• Common findings included elevated inflammatory markers, myocardial dysfunction (36%), and coronary artery abnormalities (27%).
• All confirmed MIS-C patients had SARS-CoV-2 infection and received IV immunoglobulin and corticosteroids.

Conclusions:

• The provincial MIS-C cohort showed higher rates of shock, cardiac dysfunction, and ICU admission compared to non-MIS-C cases.
• The evolving working group process facilitated rapid identification, standardized evaluation, and appropriate treatment for MIS-C.
• Effective multidisciplinary management is key for improving outcomes in children with MIS-C.