Coronary artery dilation in children with MIS-C: prevalence, risk factor, and progression.

Abstract

Cardiac injury is the critical issue in children with MIS-C, particularly coronary artery dilation. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, risk factors associated with coronary artery abnormalities, and their progression after 3 months of follow-up in MIS-C children in Vietnam. A prospective multicenter case series study was conducted on MIS-C patients diagnosed per WHO criteria from September 2021 to February 2023 at the two largest pediatric hospitals in southern Vietnam. Data on demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatments during the acute phase of MIS-C were collected. Patients were followed for 3 months post-discharge and categorized into normal and abnormal coronary artery groups for comparative analysis. Among 195 patients (mean age 6.3 years; male to female ratio 1.5:1), 33.3% exhibited coronary artery abnormalities at admission. Treatment included a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids (53.3%), corticosteroids alone (42.6%), and IVIG alone (4.1%). After 3 months, only 3.6% of patients had persistent coronary artery abnormalities. Independent risk factors for coronary artery dilation included male sex (OR 4.59; 95% CI 1.62-12.94; p = 0.004), Kawasaki-like phenotype (OR 6.42; 95% CI 2.25-18.33; p = 0.001), and mesenteric lymphadenitis (OR 8.79; 95% CI 1.74-44.31; p = 0.008).

Conclusion: Coronary artery dilation in MIS-C patients shows a favorable recovery trajectory after a 3-month follow-up. Male sex, Kawasaki-like MIS-C, and mesenteric lymphadenitis are independent risk factors for coronary artery dilation in MIS-C patients.

What is known: • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe inflammatory syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection, often leading to cardiac complications, particularly coronary artery dilation.

What is new: • Coronary artery dilation in MIS-C patients mostly resolves within three months of follow-up. Factors associated with coronary artery dilation in MIS-C patients include: male sex, Kawasaki-like phenotype and mesenteric lymphadenitis.