Long-term Cardiovascular and Psychological Outcomes of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Prospective
Salu Mahato1, Sanjeev Hanumantacharya Naganur2, Nidhi Chauhan3
1Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Centre.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Long-term follow-up shows children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) fully recover. Most regain normal heart function and social maturity, with few experiencing lasting coronary artery issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) typically has good short-term outcomes.
- Limited long-term follow-up data exists for MIS-C, especially from low- and middle-income countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term clinical, cardiac, psychological, and social outcomes of children diagnosed with MIS-C.
- To provide crucial follow-up data from a low-resource setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up study of 51 children with MIS-C at a tertiary care hospital in North India.
- Data collection included clinical assessment, echocardiography, and validated scales for anxiety, PTSD, and social maturity.
- Follow-up occurred 44 months post-discharge.
Main Results:
- During acute illness, common symptoms included fever, GI/mucocutaneous involvement, shock, and cardiac issues (47% myocardial dysfunction, 22% coronary abnormalities).
- At long-term follow-up, all patients showed normalized left ventricular ejection fraction and normal school/peer functioning.
- Only 12% had mild coronary artery abnormalities; no anxiety or PTSD symptoms were reported, and social maturity was age-appropriate.
Conclusions:
- Long-term outcomes for MIS-C are favorable, indicating complete recovery of cardiac function in most cases.
- A small percentage may have persistent mild coronary artery abnormalities.
- No significant long-term psychological or social deficits were observed.
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