Population‐based study of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID‐19 found that 36% of children had persistent symptoms
Robin Kahn, Stefan Berg, Lillemor Berntson, Elisabet Berthold, Petter Brodin, Fredrik Bäckström, Michele Compagno, Anders Fasth, Jenny Lingman Framme, AnnaCarin Horne, Josefin Hätting, Petra Król, Antti Juhani Kukka, Maria Mossberg, Bengt Månsson, Charlotta Nordenhäll, Selma Idring Nordström, Fatine Khammari Nyström, Karin Palmblad, Reza Rasti, André Rudolph, Karin Rydenman, Erik Sundberg, Eva Säve‐Söderbergh, Maria Altman
Abstract
AIM: Our aim was to describe the outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. METHODS: This national, population-based, longitudinal, multicentre study used Swedish data that were prospectively collected between 1 December 2020 and 31 May 2021. All patients met the World Health Organization criteria for MIS-C. The outcomes 2 and 8 weeks after diagnosis are presented, and follow-up protocols are suggested. RESULTS: We identified 152 cases, and 133 (87%) participated. When followed up 2 weeks after MIS-C was diagnosed, 43% of the 119 patients had abnormal results, including complete blood cell counts, platelet counts, albumin levels, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. After 8 weeks, 36% of 89 had an abnormal patient history, but clinical findings were uncommon. Echocardiogram results were abnormal in 5% of 67, and the most common complaint was fatigue. Older children and those who received intensive care were more likely to report symptoms and have abnormal cardiac results. CONCLUSION: More than a third (36%) of the patients had persistent symptoms 8 weeks after MIS-C, and 5% had abnormal echocardiograms. Older age and higher levels of initial care appeared to be risk factors. Structured follow-up visits are important after MIS-C.