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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in American Indian/Alaska Native Children, March 2020-May 2022
Ethan R Bornstein1,2,3, Allison D Miller1, Laura D Zambrano1
1From the CDC COVID-19 Response Team.
Insights
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) disproportionately affected younger, obese American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, particularly those from vulnerable areas. AI/AN children experienced more severe respiratory issues and shock.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
- Health disparities
Background:
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition following viral infections.
- Understanding ethnic and geographic disparities in MIS-C is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics, clinical features, and outcomes of MIS-C in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children versus non-Hispanic white children.
- To identify risk factors and disparities associated with MIS-C in AI/AN populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study comparing AI/AN and non-Hispanic white pediatric patients diagnosed with MIS-C.
- Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentations, disease severity, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- AI/AN MIS-C patients were younger and had higher rates of obesity compared to non-Hispanic white patients.
- AI/AN patients originated from areas with greater social vulnerability.
- A higher proportion of AI/AN patients presented with severe respiratory involvement and shock.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in MIS-C presentation and severity among AI/AN children.
- Younger age, obesity, social vulnerability, and severe clinical manifestations highlight specific risks for AI/AN youth with MIS-C.
Abstract:
We describe characteristics, clinical features and outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons compared with non-Hispanic white persons. AI/AN patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children were younger, more often obese, and from areas of higher social vulnerability. A greater proportion of AI/AN patients had severe respiratory involvement and shock.
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