Related Experiment Videos

Evaluation of cardiac abnormalities in multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children related multi-organ dysfunction

Ashlee Christmas1, Alina N West1,2, Vasu Gooty3

  • 1Critical Care Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

Insights

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can lead to organ dysfunction via thrombotic microangiopathy. Copeptin and terminal complement levels may help identify MIS-C patients with cardiac and renal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Cardiovascular pathology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is linked to hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombotic microangiopathy, potentially causing multiple organ system dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
  • Evaluating endothelial damage and thrombotic microangiopathy is crucial for understanding MIS-C associated MODS pathophysiology.
  • Cardiac dysfunction assessment involved echocardiography and copeptin levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of endothelial damage and thrombotic microangiopathy in MIS-C associated MODS.
  • To analyze copeptin levels as a biomarker for cardiac dysfunction and MODS severity in pediatric ICU patients with MIS-C.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric ICU patients diagnosed with MIS-C.
  • Assessment of MODS and thrombotic microangiopathy criteria using medical records.
  • Measurement of terminal complement and copeptin levels, alongside echocardiography and blood work.

Main Results:

  • Of 12 MIS-C patients, 7 met MODS criteria and 8 met thrombotic microangiopathy criteria.
  • Renal and cardiovascular dysfunction were the most common manifestations of MODS.
  • Elevated copeptin levels correlated negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction and positively with B-type natriuretic peptide and blood urea nitrogen, indicating cardiac and renal strain.

Conclusions:

  • MIS-C patients admitted to the ICU are susceptible to MODS due to underlying complement-associated thrombotic microangiopathy.
  • Copeptin shows potential as a biomarker for critical illness and systolic dysfunction in pediatric MIS-C.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the utility of these biomarkers for myocardial injury, diastolic dysfunction, and MODS severity.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection01:29

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection

Inspection is the initial step in assessing the cardiovascular system. It involves a detailed visual examination that provides crucial information about a patient's circulatory and cardiac health. This systematic process, conducted from head to toe, helps identify signs of cardiovascular conditions by observing physical appearance, skin and mucous membranes, jugular and carotid pulsations, chest symmetry, and the condition of the extremities.
Head and Neck