The instances of multiple inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in children are on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the geographic and temporal distribution of the children with MIS is not well known. This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics, along with the geographic and temporal distribution of MIS in children.

This cross-sectional analysis included a total of 1,733 children with MIS, of which 994 (57.4%) were male. The primary outcomes of the study were clinical characteristics, along with the geographic and temporal distribution of MIS in children.

The findings showed that rash, conjunctival hyperemia, and gastrointestinal rash were reported in 53% to 67% of patients. Furthermore, a total of 1,009 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 937 patients had hypotension/shock. 484 (31.0%) patients had cardiac dysfunction, 365 (23.4%) had pericardial effusion, and 300 (17.3%) had myocarditis. It was further found that patients aged 0 to 4 years had the lowest proportion of severe manifestations, whereas patients aged 18 to 20 years had the highest proportion, mainly for myocarditis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The research concluded that children with MIS were at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and pneumonia, with patients aged 18-20 years being at the highest risk.

Ref: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2778429?resultClick=1

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