Keywords
multisystem inflammatory syndrome - pediatric COVID-19 - vitamin D - cardiac dysfunction
- procalcitonin - prognostic scores
Introduction
The initial reports during the early phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
pandemic indicated a mildly symptomatic course of COVID-19 in children, and severe
illness only in 2 to 6% of them.[1]
[2]
[3] However, starting from mid-April 2020, clusters of pediatric cases epidemiologically
linked with COVID-19 have been reported as presenting with fever, hypotension, severe
abdominal pain, and cardiac dysfunction.[4]
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization
named this new hyper-inflammatory syndrome that emerged in older school-aged children
and adolescents as SARS-Cov-2-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
(MIS-C).[4]
[6]
[7]
[8]
The observational studies in adult COVID-19 patients suggested a link between reduced
levels of circulating form of vitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D] and COVID-19
illness severity and mortality.[9]
[10] Children with vitamin D (vit D) deficiency or insufficiency are considered more
susceptible to respiratory infections,[11] while pediatric COVID-19 patients were also reported to have significantly lower
vit D levels than healthy controls.[12]
The proposed risk factors for increased susceptibility to MIS-C, such as certain comorbidities
(i.e., obesity and asthma) and ethnic origin are also known to be independently associated
with vit D deficiency.[13] Hence, vit D deficiency has been suggested to be associated with an increased incidence
of MIS-C in these children.[10]
Vit D has also been reported to inhibit several cytokines that are used to monitor
MIS-C patients undergoing treatment.[10]
[14] Accordingly, the influence of vit D in MIS-C is proposed to be mediated through
its well-known role in the modulation of adaptive and innate immunity, including the
regulation of inflammatory cytokine release.[10]
[14] However, despite the more extensive investigation regarding the role of vit D in
adult COVID-19 patients, only a few studies to date have addressed the relationship
between vit D and MIS-C in pediatric COVID-19.[10]
[15]
Identification of the children who are at risk to develop MIS-C after an asymptomatic/mild
COVID-19 and development of prognostic biomarkers to identify those at risk for severe
MIS-C are important for better management and an improved outcome of MIS-C patients.[10]
This study aimed to evaluate vit D levels in pediatric patients with versus without
development of MIS-C after COVID-19 and determine the clinical and laboratory correlates
of more severe disease courses in those with MIS-C.
Methods
A total of 34 pediatric patients were admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
due to post-COVID-19 development of MIS-C (MIS-C group; n = 34) within a 12-month study period and 34 pediatric control subjects with the previous
history of non-hospitalized mild symptomatic COVID-19 and no progression to MIS-C
within the first 6-months (Non-MIS-C group; n = 34) were included in this retrospective study. The COVID-19 diagnosis was based
on virological (viral genome-RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and
serological (IgM/IgG antibodies against the virus) tests. The MIS-C diagnosis was
based on the clinical presentation including fever ≥3 days plus presence of two of
the five criteria: (1) rash or bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis or mucocutaneous
inflammation signs, (2) hypotension or shock, (3) cardiac dysfunction on echocardiography
or elevated troponin/ N-terminal (NT)-pro hormone BNP (NT-proBNP), (4) evidence of
coagulopathy, and (5) acute gastrointestinal problems, as well as elevated markers
of inflammation, evidence of infection, or contact with patients who have COVID-19,
and exclusion of other obvious microbial causes of inflammation.[7]
[16]
The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles stated in the “Declaration
of Helsinki” and approved by the institutional ethics committee along with permission
for the use of patient data for publication purposes (Date of Approval: November 08,
2021, Reference number/Protocol No: 20.478.486/889).
Data on patient demographics, body mass index (kg/m2), and serum vit D levels (at the time of initial COVID-19 diagnosis in the non-MIS-C
group and at the time of PICU admission in the MIS-C group) were recorded in all patients.
Data on presenting characteristics, laboratory findings, echocardiography findings,
need for invasive mechanical ventilator (IMV) and non-invasive mechanical ventilator
(NIMV) support, length of PICU stay, hypotension and related vasoactive inotropic
scores (VIS), and the prognostic scores including Pediatric Risk of Mortality 2 (PRISM
2), Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM 2), and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction
(PELOD) were recorded only in patients with moderate and severe MIS-C. Patients with
hemodynamic instability and those who need NIV/IMV were considered to have severe
MIS-C. Patients with predicted clinical worsening and requiring PICU admission were
considered to have moderate MIS-C.
Serum levels of 25 OH vit D were measured using a DXI800 instrument (Beckman Coulter,
Brea, California, United States) via an immuno-inhibition assay, and classified as
vit D deficiency (<12 ng/mL), vit D insufficiency (12–20 ng/mL), and normal Vit D
(>20 ng/mL) levels.[17] Echocardiography was performed on the first day of hospital admission in patients
with inotropic support indication, and on the second day of hospitalization in other
patients.
Statistical analysis was made using MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.7.2 (MedCalc
Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https://www.medcalc.org; 2021). Chi-square test, Yates continuity correction, and Fisher exact test were
used for analysis of categorical data, while Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test were used for analysis of numerical variables. Data were expressed as mean (SD,
standard deviation), median (min–max), and percent (%) where appropriate. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Overall, the mean (SD; IQR) age of patients was 98.6 (55.5; 75.0) months in the MIS-C
group and 103.6 (71.2; 118.0) months in the non-MIS-C group; and the girls composed
of 52.9 and 47.1% of patients in the MIS-C and non-MIS-C groups, respectively. No
significant difference was noted between MIS-C and non-MIS-C groups in terms of age
and gender ([Table 1]).
Table 1
Baseline characteristics and vitamin D levels in study groups
|
MIS-C
|
Non-MIS-C
(n = 34)
(D)
|
p-Value
|
|
Total (n = 34)
(A)
|
Moderate (n = 20)
(B)
|
Severe (n = 14)
(C)
|
B vs. C
|
A vs. D
|
|
Age (months)
|
Mean (SD, IQR)
|
98.6 (55.5,75.0)
|
79.4 (52.5,84.0)
|
126 (49.3, 48.0)
|
103.6 (71.2, 118.0)
|
0.022
[a]
|
0.985[a]
|
|
Median (min–max)
|
108 (11–204)
|
78 (11–180)
|
114 (60–204)
|
90 (2–241)
|
|
Gender, n (%)
|
|
Girl
|
18 (52.9)
|
9 (45)
|
9 (64.3)
|
16 (47.1)
|
0.447[b]
|
0.880[b]
|
|
Boy
|
16 (47.1)
|
11 (55)
|
5 (35.7)
|
18 (52.9)
|
|
BMI (kg/m2)
|
18 (13–41,5)
|
18.5 (13–27)
|
18 (13.4–41.5)
|
|
0.514
|
|
|
Vitamin D level (ng/mL), median (min–max)
|
9 (2–18)
|
9 (5–18)
|
7.5 (2–17)
|
19 (10–43)
|
0.024
|
< 0.001
[a]
|
|
Vitamin D status, n (%)
|
|
Vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL)
|
27 (79.4)
|
14 (70.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
4 (11.8)
|
< 0.001
[c]
|
|
Vitamin D insufficiency (12–20 ng/mL)
|
7 (20.6)
|
6 (30.0)
|
1 (7.1)
|
16 (47.1)
|
|
Normal vitamin D (>20 ng/mL)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
14 (41.2)
|
Abbreviations: IQR, interquartile range; MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome
in children.
Note: Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p <0.05).
a Mann Whitney U test.
b Yates continuity correction.
c Chi-square test.
Patients with severe MIS-C were significantly older than those with moderate MIS-C
[median (min–max) 114 (60–204) vs. 78 (11–180) months, p = 0.022], while no significant gender differences were noted between patients with
severe and moderate MIS-C ([Table 1]).
All patients with MIS-C were RT-PCR negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus, but were antibody
positive, indicating past infection, while posteroanterior chest X-ray findings suggestive
of pulmonary congestion were evident in three (8.8%) of 34 patients.
Overall comorbidity was evident in six (17.6%) of 34 patients with MIS-C (five were
in severe group) including obesity in five patients and cerebral palsy in one patient.
The previous history of contact with a COVID-19 positive patient was confirmed in
18 patients, not known in 11 patients, and COVID-19 positivity was noted in five patients.
Treatments included intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, 2 g/kg for 12 hours IV infusion),
IV methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg in 18 patients, 10 mg/kg in 13 patients, and 30 mg/kg
in three patients), oral aspirin (median 3 mg/kg, ranged 3–5 mg/kg), and antibiotherapy
(with empiric antibiotics suggested by pediatric infection department including vancomycin
and ceftriaxone in all patients with severe MIS-C), and low-molecular-weight heparin
(only for four patients with severe MIS-C in accordance with suggestions by pediatric
cardiology and pediatric hematology specialists), and inotropic agents (adrenalin
and milrinone) in patients with hypotension. None of the patients received anakinra,
while all patients initiated vit D supplementation at the time of diagnosis in accordance
with current pediatric endocrinology guidelines.
Median (min–max) vit D levels were significantly lower in the MIS-C group compared
with non-MIS-C group [9 (2–18) vs. 19 (10–43) ng/mL, p <0.001], and also in patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C [7.5 (2–17) vs. 9
(5–18) ng/mL, p = 0.024] ([Table 1]).
More patients with MIS-C had vit D deficiency (levels <12 ng/mL) than those without
MIS-C (79.4 vs. 11.8%, p <0.001). Vit D deficiency was also more common in patients with severe versus moderate
MIS-C (92.9 vs. 70.0%, p <0.001) ([Table 1]).
Overall, 41.2% of patients in the non-MIS-C group but none of patients in the MIS-C
group had normal vit D levels (>20 ng/mL) ([Table 1]).
In the MIS-C group, fever (100.0%), weakness (100.0%), and abdominal pain (76.5%)
were the most common presenting symptoms overall, while those with severe versus moderate
MIS-C presented less commonly with rash (14.3 vs. 75.0%, p = 0.002) and more commonly with dyspnea (50.0 vs. 10.0%, p = 0.017) ([Table 2]).
Table 2
Presenting characteristics in patients with moderate vs. severe MIS-C
|
MIS-C
|
|
Total (n = 34)
|
Moderate (n = 20)
|
Severe (n = 14)
|
p-Value
|
|
Presenting characteristics, n (%)
|
|
Fever
|
34 (100.0)
|
20 (100.0)
|
14 (100.0)
|
–
|
|
Weakness
|
34 (100.0)
|
20 (100.0)
|
14 (100.0)
|
–
|
|
Abdominal pain
|
26 (76.5)
|
14 (70.0)
|
12 (85.7)
|
0.422[a]
|
|
Rash
|
17 (50.0)
|
15 (75.0)
|
2 (14.3)
|
0.002
[b]
|
|
Nausea/vomiting
|
15 (44.1)
|
7 (35.0)
|
8 (57.1)
|
0.353[b]
|
|
Diarrhea
|
10 (29.4)
|
4 (20.0)
|
6 (42.9)
|
0.252[a]
|
|
Dyspnea
|
9 (26.5)
|
2 (10.0)
|
7 (50.0)
|
0.017
[a]
|
|
Mucocutaneous involvement
|
11 (32.4)
|
7 (35.0)
|
4 (28.6)
|
1.00[a]
|
|
Neurological involvement
|
6 (17.6)
|
2 (10.0)
|
4 (28.6)
|
0.202[a]
|
|
Cardiovascular involvement
|
31 (91.2)
|
18 (90.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
1.00[a]
|
Abbreviation: MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
Note: Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p <0.05).
a Fisher's Exact test.
b Yates continuity correction.
Severe versus moderate MIS-C was associated with significantly lower lymphocyte count
[705 (190–2030) vs. 955 (540–5200) cells/μL, p = 0.023], whereas with significantly higher levels of procalcitonin [7.6 (0.9–82)
vs. 1.7 (0.2–42) ng/mL, p = 0.030], BUN [11.1 (7.4–50.5) vs. 9.4 (5.6–14.7) mg/dL, p = 0.042], urea [24 (16–108 vs. 20 (12–32) mg/dL, p = 0.040], and troponin [211 (4.8–4545) vs. 14.2 (2.4–3065) ng/L, p = 0.008] ([Table 3]).
Table 3
Laboratory findings in patients with moderate versus severe MIS-C
|
MIS-C
|
p-Value
|
|
Median (min–max)
|
Total (n = 34)
|
Moderate (n = 20)
|
Severe (n = 14)
|
|
WBC (x109/L)
|
8,225 (910–21,810)
|
8,690 (3,780–15,500)
|
7,605 (910–21,810)
|
0.916
|
|
Lymphocyte count (cells/μL)
|
815 (190–5,200)
|
955 (540–5,200)
|
705 (190–2,030)
|
0.023
|
|
Neutrophil count (cells/mm3)
|
6,480 (700–19,500)
|
6,690 (3,050–13,760)
|
6,280 (700–19,500)
|
0.529
|
|
Hemoglobin (g/dL)
|
10.8 (6.7–13.7)
|
10.5 (6.7–13.7)
|
11 (9.13)
|
0.220
|
|
Platelet (cells/mm3)
|
163,500 (49,000–491,000)
|
184,500 (58,000–491,000)
|
140,500 (49,000–366,000)
|
0.208
|
|
CRP (mg/L)
|
18.5 (2.9–62.3)
|
16.7 (6.5–31.2)
|
20.2 (2.9–62.3)
|
0.649
|
|
ESR (mm/h)
|
40 (9–104)
|
40 (21–94)
|
39.5 (9–104)
|
0.676
|
|
PCT (ng/mL)
|
3.4 (0.2–82)
|
1.7 (0.2–42)
|
7.6 (0.9–82)
|
0.030
|
|
Fibrinogen (mg/dL)
|
616 (184–914)
|
585.5 (258–749)
|
616 (184–914)
|
0.861
|
|
D-dimer (ng/mL)
|
798 (154–3,872)
|
778.5 (201–3,496)
|
959.5 (154–3,872)
|
0.363
|
|
Ferritin (mg/L)
|
276 (52.6–1,500)
|
276 (52.6–630)
|
321.5 (101–1,500)
|
0.558
|
|
Na (mmol/L)
|
132 (125–142)
|
132 (125–136)
|
131.5 (125–142)
|
0.619
|
|
Albumin (g/dL)
|
2.8 (2.2–4)
|
3 (2.2–3.8)
|
2.8 (2.2–4)
|
0.352
|
|
BUN (mg/dL)
|
9.7 (5.6–50.5)
|
9.4 (5.6–14.7)
|
11.1 (7.4–50.5)
|
0.042
|
|
Urea (mg/dL)
|
21 (12–108)
|
20 (12–32)
|
24 (16–108)
|
0.040
|
|
Creatinine (mg/dL)
|
0.4 (0.2–3.3)
|
0.4 (0.2–1.2)
|
0.5 (0.2–3.3)
|
0.172
|
|
AST (U/L)
|
42.5 (14–168)
|
39.5 (14–138)
|
52.5 (15–168)
|
0.624
|
|
ALT (U/L)
|
32.5 (7.139)
|
31 (11–131)
|
34 (7–139)
|
0.624
|
|
Troponin (ng/L)
|
44.6 (2.4–4,545)
|
14.2 (2.4–3,065)
|
211 (4.8–4545)
|
0.008
|
|
Lactate
|
1.6 (1–4)
|
1.6 (1–2.8)
|
2 (1.3–4)
|
0.077
|
|
TSH (mIU/L)
|
1.2 (0.3–5.6)
|
1.1 (0.3–5.6)
|
30.6 (20–52)
|
0.919
|
|
FT3 (pg/mL)
|
2.4 (1.6–4.3)
|
2.7 (1.7–4.3)
|
2.3 (1.6–2.7)
|
0.214
|
|
FT4 (µg/dL)
|
1.1 (0.6–2)
|
1.1 (0.7–2)
|
1 (0.6–1.7)
|
0.984
|
Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; BUN,
blood urea nitrogen; CRP, C-reactive protein; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children; PCT, procalcitonin; T3, triiodothyronine;
T4, thyroxine; TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone; WBC, white blood cell.
Note: Mann Whitney U test; Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p <0.05).
Echocardiography findings were abnormal in 91.2% of patients with MIS-C, including
tricuspid insufficiency (51.6% total, 35.0% in moderate form, and 64.3% in severe
form) and mitral insufficiency (77.4, 55.0, and 92.9%, respectively) in most of patients,
being more common and more advanced in patients with severe MIS-C ([Table 4]).
Table 4
Echocardiography findings and ventilator support in moderate vs. severe MIS-C
|
MIS-C
|
|
Total (n = 34)
|
Moderate (n = 20)
|
Severe (n = 14)
|
p-Value[a]
|
|
Echocardiography findings,
n
(%)
|
|
Overall
|
|
Abnormal
|
31 (91.2)
|
18 (90.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
1.00
|
|
Normal
|
3 (8.8)
|
2 (10.0)
|
1 (7.1)
|
|
|
Tricuspid insufficiency
|
16 (51.6)
|
7 (35.0)
|
9 (64.3)
|
|
|
First degree
|
8 (50.0)
|
4 (57.1)
|
4 (44.4)
|
–
|
|
Second degree
|
4 (25.0)
|
3 (42.9)
|
1 (11.1)
|
|
|
Third degree
|
4 (25.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
4 (44.4)
|
|
|
Mitral insufficiency
|
24 (77.4)
|
11 (55.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
|
|
First degree
|
9 (37.5)
|
5 (45.5)
|
4 (30.8)
|
0.131
|
|
Second degree
|
11 (45.8)
|
6 (54.5)
|
5 (38.5)
|
|
|
Third degree
|
4 (16.7)
|
0 (0.0)
|
4 (30.8)
|
|
|
Aortic insufficiency
|
2 (5.9)
|
1 (5.0)
|
1 (7.1)
|
|
|
First degree
|
2 (100.0)
|
1 (100.0)
|
1 (100.0)
|
–
|
|
Coronary involvement
|
|
Yes
|
7 (23.3)
|
7 (41.2)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0.010
|
|
No
|
23 (76.7)
|
10 (58.8)
|
13 (100)
|
|
|
Pericardial effusion
|
|
Yes
|
5 (16.1)
|
2 (11.1)
|
3 (23.1)
|
0.625
|
|
No
|
26 (83.9)
|
16 (88.9)
|
10 (76.9)
|
|
|
Ejection fraction (
n
= 25)
|
%, mean(SD)
|
57.0 (11.0)
|
62.8 (10.8)
|
50.8 (7.4)
|
0.003
[b]
|
|
reduced,
n
(%)
|
11 (32.4)
|
2 (15.4)
|
9 (75.0)
|
0.004
|
|
Ventilator support, n (%)
|
|
IMV
|
|
Yes
|
1 (2.9)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (7.1)
|
0.412
|
|
No
|
33 (97.1)
|
20 (100.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
|
NIMV
|
|
Yes
|
17 (50.0)
|
3 (15.0)
|
14 (100.0)
|
< 0.001
|
|
No
|
17 (50.0)
|
17 (85.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
Abbreviations: IMV, Invasive mechanical ventilation; MIS-C, Multisystem inflammatory
syndrome in children; NIMV, Non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
Note: Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p <0.05).
a Yates continuity correction.
b Student's t-test.
Overall reduced ejection fraction was noted in 32.4% of patients. Ejection fraction
was significantly lower [50.8 (7.4) vs. 62.8 (10.8) %, p = 0.003] and percentage of patients with reduced ejection fraction was significantly
higher (75.0 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.004) in patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C ([Table 4]).
Overall, IMV and NIMV were required in 2.9 and 50.0% of patients with MIS-C, while
the need for NIMV was more marked in those with severe versus moderate MIS-C (100.0
vs. 15.0%, p <0.001) ([Table 4]).
Patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C had significantly longer PICU stay (median
5 vs. 4 days, p <0.001), higher rate of hypotension (92.9 vs. 45.0%, p = 0.009), higher PIM2 [8.2 (1–100) vs. 1 (0.8–4.6), p <0.001], PRISM [14.5 (12–30) vs. 11 (8–14), p <0.001], and PELOD [20 (11–32) vs. 10 (10–20), p <0.001] scores and higher VIS [15 (10–55) vs. 5 (5–10), p <0.001] ([Table 5]).
Table 5
PICU stay, hypotension and prognostic scores in moderate vs. severe MIS-C
|
MIS-C
|
|
Total (n = 34)
|
Moderate (n = 20)
|
Severe (n = 14)
|
p-Value
|
|
Length of PICU stay (day), median (min–max)
|
4 (2–18)
|
4 (2–4)
|
5 (4–18)
|
< 0.001
|
|
Length of ward stay (day), median (min–max)
|
5 (4–16)
|
5 (4–9)
|
6 (4–16)
|
0.108
|
|
Hypotension, n (%)
|
Yes
|
22 (64.7)
|
9 (45.0)
|
13 (92.9)
|
0.009
|
|
No
|
12 (35.3)
|
11 (55)
|
1 (7.1)
|
|
PIM2, median (min–max)
|
1.7 (0.8–100)
|
1 (0.8–4.6)
|
8.2 (1–100)
|
< 0.001
|
|
PRISM, median (min–max)
|
12 (8–30)
|
11 (8–14)
|
14.5 (12–30)
|
< 0.001
|
|
PELOD, median (min–max)
|
13 (10–32)
|
10 (10–20)
|
20 (11–32)
|
< 0.001
|
|
VIS, median (min–max)
|
12.5 (5–55)
|
5 (5–10)
|
15 (10–55)
|
< 0.001
|
Abbreviations: MIS-C, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children; PELOD, pediatric
logistic organ dysfunction; PICU, pediatric intensive care unit; PIM 2, pediatric
index of mortality 2; PRISM 2, pediatric risk of mortality 2; VIS, vasoactive inotropic
score.
Note: Mann Whitney U test. Values in bold indicate statistical significance (p <0.05).
Discussion
Our findings revealed that serum vit D levels were lower in the MIS-C group versus
non-MIS-C group of pediatric COVID-19 patients and in those who were more severely
affected by MIS-C. Older patient's age, presenting with dyspnea rather than rash,
lower lymphocyte counts, and higher serum levels of procalcitonin and troponin were
associated with an increase in the severity of MIS-C. Cardiac dysfunction (advanced
tricuspid and mitral insufficiency and reduced ejection fraction) was also more remarkable
in patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C along with an increase in the need for
NIMV, longer PICU stays, higher rate of hypotension, and higher VIS and prognostic
(PIM2, PRISM, and PELOD) scores in these patients.
Cardiovascular dysfunction is considered to be the most frequently described physiological
abnormality in patients with MIS-C which includes an increase in cardiac biomarkers
(NT-pro-BNP and troponin levels), symptomatic myocarditis (40–80%), left ventricle
dysfunction (63.3%), tachycardia (82%), hypotension (61.0%), a depressed ejection
fraction (>45.0%), and coronary artery abnormalities (9–24%), while arrhythmia, valvular
regurgitation, and conduction abnormalities have also been detected in some cases
of MIS-C.[8]
[16]
[18]
[19]
Our findings support that MIS-C has distinct epidemiological and clinical features
such as older age and low rates of co-morbidity and respiratory symptoms but a high
rate of gastrointestinal symptoms and significant cardiovascular dysfunction commonly
resulting in hypotension and echocardiographic abnormalities when compared with features
of acute severe COVID-19 infection in children.[16]
[20] Nonetheless, despite its rarity, MIS-C is considered to be of significant concern
due to the severity of the illness and cardiovascular dysfunction which necessitate
intensive care (80%) and mechanical ventilation (20%) support.[16]
[21]
Notably, the degree of elevation in cardiac (troponin, NT pro-B-type natriuretic peptide)
and biochemical parameters (C-reactive protein, serum ferritin, procalcitonin, interleukin-6
level, and D-dimers) was reported to be correlated with the need for intensive care
support in patients with MIS-C.[19] Similarly, our findings revealed a more advanced cardiac dysfunction (higher degree
tricuspid and mitral insufficiency and reduced ejection fraction), higher troponin
levels, increased need for NIMV, a longer ICU stay, higher rate of hypotension, and
higher VIS and prognostic (PIM2, PRISM, and PELOD) scores in patients with severe
versus moderate MIS-C.
In addition, supporting the association of older age and a more advanced cardiovascular
dysfunction with increased severity of MIS-C in the present study, the severe disease
requiring intensive care due to myocarditis was reported in approximately 50% of patients
with MIS-C and the risk was considered to be higher in older children.[22] Also, the higher likelihood of reduced ejection fraction in patients with severe
versus moderate MIS-C in the current study (75.0 vs. 15.4%) supports the findings
from a past study in MIS-C patients that indicated a higher rate of abnormal left
ventricular ejection fraction in PICU versus non-PICU group (100 vs. 50%) of MIS-C
patients.[15]
Lymphopenia and increased procalcitonin and troponin levels were associated with an
increase in the severity of MIS-C in the current study. Likewise, neutrophilia and
lymphopenia were reported among the frequent findings in MIS-C[16]
[23] and the degree of separation between the two cell lines is considered likely to
be associated with the severity of inflammation.[23] Also, the elevation in inflammatory markers such as procalcitonin and troponin was
also considered potential predictors of MIS-C outcomes.[23]
[24] Notably, very high procalcitonin levels, exceeding the levels in bacterial septic
shock, in MIS-C patients are considered to emphasize the level of pronounced systemic
inflammation seen in MIS-C cases.[23] In a systematic review on the comparison of the characteristics between MIS-C and
pediatric confirmed COVID-19 cases, the authors reported a higher level of inflammation
to be experienced in MIS-C than in COVID-19.[23]
In the current study, more patients with versus without MIS-C (79.4 vs. 11.8%), as
well as more patients with severe versus moderate MIS-C (92.9 vs. 70.0%), had vit
D deficiency (levels <12 ng/mL). Overall, 41.2% of patients without MIS-C but none
of patients in the MIS-C group had normal vit D levels (>20 ng/mL). Likewise, in a
past study that included 18 children with MIS-C, 72% of the overall cohort and 83%
of patients admitted to PICU were reported to be vit D deficient, along with a non-significant
tendency for lower serum vit D levels in the PICU versus a non-PICU group of MIS-C
patients.[15]
In fact, a greater need for active vit D in advanced inflammatory process and thus
increased consumption of vit D by cells involved in immunomodulation are considered
to result in reduced vit D levels in severe disease.[10] Nonetheless, the higher likelihood of vit D deficiency in patients with versus without
MIS-C as well as in those with severe versus moderate MIS-C in the current study seems
to emphasize the value of initial measurement of vit D level at the time of diagnosis
and then serial measurements during the course of MIS-C to monitor the disease progression
as well as for correction of low levels.[10]
[25]
In fact, the levels of several cytokines proposed as useful markers to monitor treatment
response in MIS-C patients have also been reported to be decreased by vit D.[14] Moreover, pediatric COVID-19 patients with deficient/insufficient versus normal
vit D levels were reported to have significantly higher fever symptom (34.5 vs. 0.0%),
as suggested to be secondary to vit D-mediated reduction in interleukin 6 and interferon-gamma
inflammatory reactions, both of which are also potent predictors of worse clinical
outcome in severe COVID-19.[12]
[26] Notably, a meta-analysis study indicated a higher risk (adjusted OR: 1.77, non-adjusted
OR: 1.75) and higher severity (adjusted OR: 2.57, non-adjusted OR: 10.61) of SARS-CoV-2
infection in the vit D deficient group.[27]
Indeed, growing evidence on the role of amplified inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2
in the development of MIS-C and the regulatory actions of vit D on pro-inflammatory
cytokine signaling is considered to potentiate the possible role of vit D in MIS-C.[15] Moreover, low vit D levels were reported to be associated with an increased likelihood
of developing Kawasaki disease (KD) as well as the risk of coronary outcomes in KD,
which seems notable given that MIS-C shares considerable overlap with KD.[28]
[29]
Vit D is considered to have important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects
such as reduction in the plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced
as part of the cytokine storm in viral infections such as COVID-19, increase in concentrations
of anti-inflammatory markers, regulation of adaptive immune response, and improvement
of cellular immunity.27The association of vit D deficiency with an increased risk of acute viral respiratory
infections and the potential protective effects of supplementation has been extensively
reported.[11] However, currently there remains insufficient evidence to recommend routine supplementation
to prevent acute respiratory tract infections or COVID-19.[15]
[30] Hence, our findings seem to emphasize that vit D levels could be valuable in predicting
severe forms of MIS-C and correction of abnormal levels may potentially have a favorable
effect in reducing the severity of MIS-C in certain circumstances.[10] Nonetheless, while the evidence on the link between vit D status and SARS-CoV-2
continues to emerge, with a suggestion of an inverse relationship between circulating
25OHD levels and SARS-CoV-2 positivity,[31] the relevance of vit D as a modifiable risk factor affecting the unregulated cytokine
response in severe MIS-C requires further consideration.[15]
Our findings support the consideration of hyper-inflammatory shock as a common element
in MIS-C with a need for vasopressor support and/or fluid resuscitation and ICU stay
in most children.23 Nonetheless, similar to our findings, although children with MIS-C are considered
critically ill, most respond to prompt administration of anti-inflammatory agents
including intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids.[18]
[23]
Certain limitations to this study should be considered. First, the potential lack
of generalizability is an important limitation due to a single-center study design
with a relatively small sample size. Second, given that all pediatric COVID-19 patients
admitted to our hospital within the study period had mild COVID disease, we could
not evaluate the impact of severity of initial COVID-19 on the likelihood of later
development of MIS-C. Third, given the non-uniform time to evaluate the level of vit
D, especially in the control group, it seems not possible to conclude that vit D predicts
MISC occurrence. Third, the lack of data on long-term post-discharge outcomes and
the potential risk factors in non-survivors is another limitation that otherwise would
extend the knowledge achieved in the current study.
In conclusion, our findings indicate the higher prevalence of vit D deficiency in
pediatric COVID-19 patients with versus without MIS-C, as well as in those with severe
versus moderate MIS-C. Hence, our findings emphasize the value of serial measurements
of vit D level on admission and during the course of MIS-C to monitor the disease
progression. Apart from a decrease in vit D levels, older age, higher troponin and
procalcitonin levels and dyspnea and lower lymphocyte counts at presentation seem
to be the risk factors for developing severe MIS-C and thus an experience of more
pronounced cardiac dysfunction, increased need for NIMV, longer ICU stays, higher
rate of hypotension and higher VIS and prognostic scores by these patients. Further
real-life data in MIS-C patients are needed to clarify whether vit D deficiency contributes
to, or is a consequence of MIS-C, and thus these real life data are needed to determine
the utility of vit D levels in early identification of children with higher susceptibility
to develop MIS-C and those at high risk of severe disease course.
