Cognitive function and inflammatory markers of survivors of MIS-C

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) presents severe clinical challenges due to its severe outcomes and diagnostic complexities. Recent studies suggest cognitive functions may also be affected. This study evaluates cognitive functions in MIS-C survivors over 12 months and explores the relationship with inflammatory markers.

This prospective observational cohort study included children diagnosed with MIS-C hospitalized in a tertiary pediatric care unit. Follow-ups were conducted at one month, six months, and twelve months post-hospitalization using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), D2 Test of Attention, Visual Aural Digit Span, Bender Gestalt, and STROOP Color-Word Time tests. Demographic, admission, and follow-up data, including inflammatory markers, were collected.

The study included 22 patients with a median age of 10.5 years, of whom 63.6% were male. Cognitive assessments showed a significant improvement in the TN-E subscore of the D2 attention test from the first month to the sixth month (p = 0.009). However, no significant differences were observed in other cognitive tests conducted in the first and sixth months. Correlation analyses revealed significant negative correlations between white blood cells, absolute neutrophil count, and the FR subscore of the D2 attention test in the first month, indicating lower attention scores with higher levels of these markers. Positive correlations were found between absolute lymphocyte count and WISC-IV subscores of symbol search and comprehension.

This study demonstrates significant correlations between inflammatory markers and cognitive outcomes in children with MIS-C over twelve months. The findings underscore the potential long-term impact of MIS-C on cognitive functions and highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive health in these patients.