Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children across 16 Latin American countries: A multicenter study from the...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition.
• Understanding MIS-C epidemiology and outcomes in Latin America is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the epidemiology and outcomes of MIS-C in Latin America.
• To identify risk factors and trends associated with MIS-C in the region.

Main Methods:

• An observational, retrospective, and prospective multicenter study.
• Data collected from 84 centers across 16 Latin American countries (August 2020 - June 2022).
• Analysis of 1239 reported MIS-C cases.

Main Results:

• Most MIS-C patients (84%) were previously healthy.
• Common symptoms included abdominal pain (64.9%) and conjunctival injection (63.3%).
• 47.5% required ICU admission; mortality rate was 4.88%, significantly higher in those with delayed diagnosis (8.85%).

Conclusions:

• Delayed MIS-C diagnosis in Latin America is associated with increased mortality.
• Enhanced awareness and earlier diagnosis are critical for improving MIS-C outcomes in the region.