Differentiating Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Its Mimics - A Single-Center Experience...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
• Distinguishing MIS-C from other febrile illnesses can be challenging, especially in tropical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical and laboratory indicators that differentiate MIS-C from other febrile diseases in a tropical hospital.
• To aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of MIS-C.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of hospital records from April 2020 to June 2021.
• Analysis of laboratory values, SARS-CoV-2 serological status, clinical signs, and symptoms.
• Comparison between children diagnosed with MIS-C and those with similar presentations.

Main Results:

• 114 children met inclusion criteria; 64 were diagnosed with MIS-C, and 50 had other infections (enteric fever, scrub typhus, dengue, appendicitis).
• Key differentiating features for MIS-C included older age, mucocutaneous symptoms, elevated C-reactive protein, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and abdominal pain.
• Absence of hepatosplenomegaly was also noted as favoring MIS-C.

Conclusions:

• Older age, mucocutaneous symptoms, high C-reactive protein, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and abdominal pain are strong indicators for MIS-C.
• Absence of hepatosplenomegaly can also support a MIS-C diagnosis.
• These findings assist in differentiating MIS-C from mimic febrile diseases in pediatric populations.