Children who develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after a COVID-19 infection face a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing new and ongoing health issues compared to their peers who did not develop MIS-C. This finding comes from a study published recently in Pediatrics.
MIS-C is a serious, though uncommon, post-viral condition characterized by widespread inflammation that often requires hospitalization. While some earlier research suggested that MIS-C symptoms might lessen within two years of infection, this latest research is the first to indicate that health problems can persist for up to 4.5 years following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Significantly Increased Risk of Heart Disease
The study, a large retrospective analysis, involved researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine who reviewed electronic health records from the Montefiore Health System. They analyzed the health records of 173 children diagnosed with MIS-C and 17,190 children without the condition, tracking their health outcomes for up to 4.5 years after their initial COVID-19 diagnosis.
The presence of MIS-C was linked to the development of new chronic health conditions in children. These children showed a nearly 14-fold greater chance of developing cardiovascular problems, including heart failure. Furthermore, children with MIS-C had an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure, neurological and psychological disorders such as stroke, depression, and anxiety, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, chronic kidney disease, and shock.
The authors emphasized, "The broad multisystem risks underscore the need for structured follow-up of patients with MIS-C." They specifically highlighted the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring due to the substantial increase in hypertension risk.
The researchers also recommended comprehensive, multidisciplinary follow-up care for children who have experienced MIS-C. This care should include screenings for cardiovascular health, kidney function, and neurological and mental health conditions.
The study’s authors concluded, "Long-term outcome patterns in our cohort showed a clear and persistent accumulation of multisystem morbidity among survivors of MIS-C compared to matched controls without MIS-C, with disparities widening steadily over 4.5 years."