Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Cardiac Involvement: A Quaternary Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition following viral infections.
• Cardiac involvement is a significant concern in pediatric MIS-C, impacting disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical and laboratory predictors of cardiac involvement in MIS-C.
• To understand factors associated with severe presentations of MIS-C.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 146 pediatric patients diagnosed with MIS-C.
• Evaluation of clinical data and laboratory markers, including cardiac function and coronary artery status.

Main Results:

• 45.2% of patients exhibited cardiac dysfunction; 17.8% had coronary artery abnormalities.
• Lower serum albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were associated with cardiac dysfunction.
• Elevated ferritin, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and interleukin-6 levels correlated with cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Specific laboratory markers can predict cardiac involvement in children with MIS-C.
• Early identification of at-risk patients may guide management and potentially prevent severe outcomes.