Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in children: case series in Neuquén public health services

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease temporally associated with COVID-19 were reported, with a history of recent infection or contact with COVID-19 cases (MIS-C). The objective was to characterize the clinical and epidemiological aspects of MIS-C cases in children under 18 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study of MIS-C cases was conducted, considering children under 18 years of age who received care between March 2020 and June 2022 in the public system of the province of Neuquén. RESULTS: Case series: 9 patients with MIS-C were included, with 55.5% female and a mean age of 6.1 years. Of the cases of COVID-19, 77.7% were confirmed by epidemiological link. All patients presented fever prior to admission, 88.8% had mucocutaneous manifestations and abdominal involvement. Other frequent manifestations were ocular involvement and hand edema. While 33.3% of the patients required admission to pediatric intensive care units, only 1 required assisted mechanical ventilation for 48 hours due to shock. All patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 2 g/kg, and 3 patients received corticosteroids. There were no deaths or complications during follow-up. DISCUSSION: Although the prognosis is favorable, it is recommended to carry out studies that monitor the long-term effects of MIS-C.