Peer-reviewed article

484. Identification of Early Features to Differentiate Hospitalized Children Admitted for Suspected MIS-C from Alternative Diagnoses

Clark M, Rankin D, Patrick A, Gotte A, Herndon A et al. · 1 Nov 2021

Abstract

Abstract Background Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). MIS-C shares features with common infectious and inflammatory syndromes and differentiation early in the course is difficult. Identification of early features specific to MIS-C may lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to determine clinical, laboratory, and cardiac features distinguishing MIS-C patients within the first 24 hours of admission to the hospital from those who present with similar features but ultimately diagnosed with an alternative etiology. Methods We performed retrospective chart reviews of children (0-20 years) who were admitted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and evaluated under our institutional MIS-C algorithm between June 10, 2020-April 8, 2021. Subjects were identified by review of infectious disease (ID) consults during the study period as all children with possible MIS-C require an ID consult per our institutional algorithm. Clinical, lab, and cardiac characteristics were compared between children with and without MIS-C. The diagnosis of MIS-C was determined by the treating team and available consultants. P-values were calculated using two-sample t-tests allowing unequal variances for continuous and Pearson’s chi-squared test for categorical variables, alpha set at < 0.05. Results There were 128 children admitted with concern for MIS-C. Of these, 45 (35.2%) were diagnosed with MIS-C and 83 (64.8%) were not. Patients with MIS-C had significantly higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, hypotension, conjunctival injection, abdominal pain, and abnormal cardiac exam (Table 1). Laboratory evaluation showed that patients with MIS-C had lower platelet count, lymphocyte count and sodium level, with higher c-reactive protein, fibrinogen, B-type natriuretic peptide, and neutrophil percentage (Table 2). Patients with MIS-C also had lower ejection fraction and were more likely to have abnormal electrocardiogram. Conclusion We identified early features that differed between patients with MIS-C from those without. Development of a diagnostic prediction model based on these early distinguishing features is currently in progress. Disclosures Natasha B. Halasa, MD, MPH, Genentech (Other Financial or Material Support, I receive an honorarium for lectures - it’s a education grant, supported by genetech)Quidel (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Donation of supplies/kits)Sanofi (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, HAI/NAI testing) Natasha B. Halasa, MD, MPH, Genentech (Individual(s) Involved: Self): I receive an honorarium for lectures - it’s a education grant, supported by genetech, Other Financial or Material Support, Other Financial or Material Support; Sanofi (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Grant/Research Support, Research Grant or Support James A. Connelly, MD, Horizon Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member)X4 Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member)