Long-term Health Outcomes After Hospital Discharge Among Children Hospitalized for MIS-C or COVID-19, September 29,...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Longitudinal Health Outcomes
• COVID-19 Research

Background:

• The long-term health consequences for children hospitalized with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or acute COVID-19 remain largely unknown.
• Understanding these outcomes is crucial for effective pediatric care and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the long-term health outcomes for children following hospitalization for MIS-C or acute COVID-19.
• To assess recovery trajectories and persistent symptoms up to two years post-discharge.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study followed children hospitalized with MIS-C or COVID-19 at three US hospitals between March 2020 and February 2021.
• Health status was evaluated up to two years post-hospitalization using medical record review and patient surveys.
• Data included demographics, comorbidities, and reported symptoms at various follow-up intervals.

Main Results:

• Patients with MIS-C were younger and more likely to experience cardiac and neurological sequelae compared to COVID-19 patients.
• While most children achieved full mental and physical recovery, 15%-20% reported persistent fatigue lasting over a year.
• Headaches were more frequent in MIS-C patients at one month, while cough was more common in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of children, approximately 20%, experience ongoing symptoms like fatigue and headache more than a year after hospital discharge for MIS-C or COVID-19.
• The prolonged duration of these sequelae highlights the necessity for sustained clinical follow-up until complete resolution is achieved.