Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, A Disease with Too Many Faces: A Single-Center Experience.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Immunology
• Critical care medicine

Background:

• Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• The exact mechanisms, risk factors, and disease progression of MIS-C remain incompletely understood.
• This study addresses the need for detailed clinical descriptions and risk factor analysis of MIS-C in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of MIS-C in hospitalized children.
• To identify key risk factors associated with severe forms of MIS-C.
• To analyze the disease evolution and long-term complications in pediatric MIS-C patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted over 13 months (November 2020-December 2021).
• The study included 34 children diagnosed with MIS-C based on established criteria.
• Data collected included clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• The cohort included 34 children (mean age 6.8 years) with MIS-C, characterized by fever and organ dysfunction.
• Over half (55.88%) presented with severe disease, including multiorgan failure and shock.
• Severe MIS-C cases exhibited significantly higher organ involvement and specific laboratory abnormalities (e.g., hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia), necessitating aggressive medical support.

Conclusions:

• MIS-C presents a spectrum from mild to severe forms, posing diagnostic and management challenges for pediatricians.
• Early recognition and awareness of potential severe evolution and complications are crucial for optimal patient care.
• The study highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention in pediatric patients with MIS-C.