Association among COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and oral health status

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Oral medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to COVID-19, but its oral manifestations and impact on oral health are not fully understood.
• Early identification of MIS-C is crucial due to its potential for high mortality and morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the oral health status of children diagnosed with MIS-C-associated COVID-19 versus those with COVID-19 alone.
• To identify specific oral symptoms and conditions associated with MIS-C in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 54 children with SARS-CoV-2 infection (23 MIS-C, 31 COVID-19).
• Data collection included sociodemographics, medical history, oral hygiene habits, and clinical oral examinations (DMFT/dmft index, OHI scores, oral mucosal changes).
• Statistical analysis used t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Children with MIS-C exhibited significantly higher frequencies of chapped lips, oral mucosal changes (erythema, white lesions, strawberry tongue, gingival swelling), and elevated DMFT/dmft scores compared to the COVID-19 group.
• Oral hygiene index (OHI) scores were also significantly higher in the MIS-C group.
• Strawberry tongue and erythematous tongue were characteristic oral findings in MIS-C patients.

Conclusions:

• Oral manifestations, including specific mucosal changes and increased dental issues, are significantly more prevalent in children with MIS-C compared to those with COVID-19.
• Dental professionals should be vigilant for these oral signs as potential indicators of MIS-C.
• Awareness of MIS-C's oral symptoms is vital for timely diagnosis and management of this critical pediatric condition.