Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to COVID-19 infection in the state of Qatar: Association with Kawasaki-like Illness

INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging reporting of children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection for better understanding and management of the disease. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study included the first 15 pediatrics patient with a confirmed diagnosis of MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the state of Qatar. We studied and analyzed their demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 15 children were studied (mean age 3.5 ± 2.7 year). Recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was identified in all of them (100%). The majority of these patients had 4 or more systems involvement. Nine of the 15 presented with Kawasaki disease - picture and all had gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea). Five required Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission. Lab investigations revealed high D-Dimer, hyponatremia, and hypoalbuminemia in all. Low hemoglobin (Hb), thrombocytopenia, and sterile pyuria occurred in 86.6%, 60% and 75% of them, respectively. Treatment with combined anti-inflammatory medications (intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids) was used in along with immunomodulatory agents (Anakinra) in a selected group of refractory patients. No mortality happened. CONCLUSION: Our young children who presented with MIS-C related to SARS-CoV-2 infection had significantly higher Kawasaki-disease picture compared to other reports. One third of them required PICU admission but no mortality occurred. (www.actabiomedica.it)