Clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children in Lagos, Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case series
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Date
2022-07
Authors
Sokunbi, O.
Akinbolagbe, Y.
Akintan, P.
Oyeleke, G.
Kusimo, O.
Owowo, U.
Olonade, E.
Ojo, O.
Ikhazobor, E.
Amund, O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Lancet
Abstract
Background
Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has increasingly been documented globally with the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant proportion of cases have been noted in children of Black descent. There has been a noticeable discrepancy in the presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa compared to the rest of the world. We documented the demography, clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, therapeutic management, and short-term outcomes of paediatric patients with MIS-C diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods
We carried out a retrospective review of MIS-C cases seen in nine public and private hospitals in Lagos from July 10, 2020 to July 30, 2021. Data on clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, therapy as well as outcomes at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months were analyzed.
Findings
28 children and adolescents with median age of 7·5 (IQR 2·3 - 9·4) years were diagnosed with MIS-C. MIS-C was suspected in 24 patients (85·7%) at initial clinical evaluation and mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular manifestations were identified in 75·0%, 71·4% and 89·3% of patients respectively. Acute kidney injury and aseptic meningitis were noted in 32·1% and 17·9% of patients respectively. Cardiac manifestations at presentation included coronary dilatation and pericardial effusion in 46·4% each, ventricular dysfunction (32·1%), atrioventricular valve regurgitation (25·0%), prolonged QTc interval (40·0%) and first-degree atrioventricular block (16·0%). Therapy included aspirin in 89·3%, steroids in 75·0% and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in 60·7%. All patients survived and were discharged after a mean of 11·14 (SD 5·65) days. Frequency of coronary dilatation had reduced from 46·4% to 7·1% by 3 months follow up and prolonged QTc interval persisted until the 6 week follow up in 4.5% of patients. Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram findings were normal in all patients assessed at 6 months follow up.
Interpretation
MIS-C is an important diagnosis in children presenting with prolonged fever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardiovascular manifestations occurred in several children with MIS-C and improved by 6 months follow up. Early diagnosis and prompt institution of a combination of antiplatelet therapy, steroids and IVIG appear to be beneficial.
Description
Scholarly article
Keywords
Citation
Sokunbi, O., Akinbolagbe, Y., Akintan, P., Oyeleke, G., Kusimo, O., Owowo, U., Olonade, E., Ojo, O., Ikhazobor, E., Amund, O., Ogbuokiri, E., Funsho-Adebayo, M., Adeniyi, O., Uzodimma, C., Lamina, M., Animashaun, A., Osinaike, B., Ekure, E., & Okoromah, C. (2022). Clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children in Lagos, Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case series. EClinicalMedicine, 49, 101475.