Long-Term Outcomes in Children with Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome

Although the acute features of pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS; also known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children [MIS-C]) are well characterized, long-term outcome data are just emerging. In this retrospective cohort study of 46 patients attending a PIMS-TS multidisciplinary follow-up clinic in the United Kingdom, investigators assessed 6-month biochemical and functional health outcomes.

Median age was 10.2 years, 65% were male, 80% were minority ethnicity, and 17% had preexisting medical conditions. Biochemical markers of systemic inflammation, abnormal at diagnosis in all patients, had normalized in 98%.

At the 6-month visit, the following organ-system findings were noted:

• Cardiac: Echocardiograms were abnormal in 4% of patients, down from 33% at evaluation.

• Gastrointestinal: Symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain) present in 98% before or during hospitalization, persisted in 13%.

• Neurological: Minor abnormalities (e.g., dysmetria) were noted in 39% (compared with neurologic involvement in 52% at baseline); the median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 0.

• Musculoskeletal: 6-minute walk test scores were abnormal (<3rd percentile for age) in 45%.

• Psychological: Severe emotional difficulty was identified using the PedsQL in 18% by parent report and in 22% by self-report.

• Social: Inability to participate in full-time school was reported for 2%.