Publication:

A cross sectional study to evaluate the clinical presentation in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Background MIS-C as a disease has varied symptoms and signs that affect multiple organs and systems in the body. The present study aimed to describe the clinical presentation among children admitted as a case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.

Methods We conducted a cross sectional study of children with MIS-C from January to July 2021, in the pediatric ward of Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. All children admitted with a diagnosis of MISC were included in the study. Data regarding clinical presentation was extracted and analyzed using Epi Info V7 software.

Results In the present study, a total of 31 children diagnosed and admitted as a case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) were included. Mean age of these children was 7.12±4.78 years. Among the total 16 (51.6%) were males while 15 (48.4%) were females. All 31 patients had presented with fever and 13 (41.9%) patients had fever with rash. 5 (16.1%) had cough, 1 (3.2%) child presented with hematemesis, 18 (58.1%) had tachypnea at presentation and 15 (48.4%) patients had respiratory distress. 16 (51.6%) children had complaints of vomiting, 1 (3.2%) presented with bleeding diathesis and 12 (38.7%) had hematuria, 5 (16.1%) had seizures and 8 (25.8%) presented with encephalopathy. 19 (61.3%) children had hypotension, 15 (48.4%) had hepatomegaly and 15 (48.4%) had splenomegaly.

Conclusions It is very essential to characterize this syndrome to fully understand its spectrum, therefore we need to be continuously watchful for its varied clinical presentations, both for ensuring an early diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from MIS-C.