Similarities and differences between MIS-C and KD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new syndrome with some clinical manifestations similar to Kawasaki disease (KD), which is difficult to distinguish.

The study aimed to characterize the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, laboratory features, cardiac complications, and treatment of MIS-C compared with KD.

Studies were selected by searching the PubMed, EMBASE and so on before February 28, 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software and STATA 14.0.

Fourteen studies with 2928 participants were included. MIS-C patients tended to be older and there was no significant difference in the sex ratio. In terms of clinical characteristics, MIS-C patients were more frequently represented with respiratory, gastrointestinal symptoms and shock. At the same time, they had a lower incidence of conjunctivitis than KD patients. MIS-C patients had lower lymphocyte counts, platelet (PLT) counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs), alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin levels and had higher levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), troponin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin, and creatinine. MIS-C patients had a higher incidence of left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, valvular regurgitation, pericardial effusion, myocarditis, and pericarditis. The incidence of coronary artery lesion (CAL) was lower in MIS-C patients [OR (95% CI): 0.52 (0.29, 0.93), p =0.03], while it was similar in the acute period. MIS-C patients had higher utilization of glucocorticoids (GCs) and lower utilization of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG).

There were specific differences between MIS-C and KD, which might assist clinicians with the accurate recognition of MIS-C and further mechanistic research.