Neurologic and Psychological Outcomes 2 Years After Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Neurology
• Psychology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can lead to neurologic and psychological issues.
• The long-term trajectory of these sequelae beyond 1 year is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the progression of neurologic, psychological, and quality-of-life outcomes up to 2 years after MIS-C hospitalization.
• To compare outcomes in children with MIS-C to matched controls.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal cohort study followed children diagnosed with MIS-C and matched controls.
• Assessments included structured interviews, surveys, neuropsychological tests, and neurologic examinations at 6-12 months and 18-24 months post-discharge.
• Generalized estimating equations were used for group comparisons, controlling for matching.

Main Results:

• By year 2, MIS-C patients showed improved neurologic and psychological scores, performing similarly to controls on most measures.
• The MIS-C group reported more somatization symptoms than controls at year 2.
• Illness severity during hospitalization, including ICU admission and LVEF, correlated with worse executive function at 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Neurologic and psychological sequelae in children with MIS-C generally improve over time, with most patients reaching control levels by 2 years.
• Somatic symptoms may persist, but overall recovery is suggested.
• Hospitalization severity is a predictor of executive function deficits.