Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in a Lithuanian Paediatric Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Due to its link with the SARS-CoV-2, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) gained global attention as a serious condition that requires hospital care. Our study aimed to present the clinical and laboratory characteristics of MIS-C patients by age group and intensive care unit (ICU) admission status and assess early echocardiographic changes. Materials and Methods: A single-center partly retrospective, partly prospective observational cohort study was performed from December 2020 to June 2024. The study included 42 patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who were diagnosed with MIS-C and gave informed consent. Results: The median age was 6.5 years (IQR 2.0–9.3). The predominant symptoms were cardiovascular (88.1%), mucocutaneous (85.7%) and gastrointestinal (76.2%). Five children (11.9%) developed shock. About two-thirds of patients (66.7%) were admitted to the ICU. Adolescents (≥12 years) were less likely to exhibit mucocutaneous or cardiovascular symptoms and thus less frequently having Kawasaki—like disease symptoms compared with other age groups (p Conclusions: Symptoms and laboratory markers of MIS-C vary according to age. Higher CRP, PCT, BNP and hypoalbuminemia are predictors of MIS-C severity. Cardiovascular involvement is common and might be severe, but rapid resolution is encouraging.

Keywords

• MIS-C
• severity
• intensive care unit (ICU)
• cardiac involvement
• echocardiography