COVID-19 Related Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe condition associated with SARS-CoV-2. The underlying reasons why some children develop MIS-C remain unclear. Objectives: To review and summarize the existing evidence about the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, therapeutic management, and outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related MIS-C. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies on COVID-19 and MIS-C. Out of the 2026 research articles generated from our initial search on PubMed and Google Scholar on 20 December 2022, 44 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Data on demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes were extracted. Results: The median age of 7297 MIS-C patients was 8.6 years, with 59.2% being male. The most common symptoms were fever (98.7%), rash (55.2%), and conjunctivitis (52.8%). Obesity (27.1%) was the most prevalent comorbidity. Fifty percent of patients were admitted to pediatric intensive care; 631 received inotropes, and 374 required mechanical ventilation. Over 80% received IV immunoglobulin, and 77% received corticosteroids. Abnormal echocardiograms occurred in 77.5% of cases, with coronary artery aneurysms present in 18.5%. Most patients recovered, with a reported mortality rate of 1.7%. Conclusion: Despite the limitations, our systematic review provides valuable insights into the characteristics and management of MIS-C based on existing global literature. While a large number of patients required intensive care and various therapeutic interventions, favorable short-term outcomes were demonstrated in the majority of patients, with notably low mortality rates.