Characterization of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Its Relationship to Kawasaki Disease

Background: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) evolved as a new threat to children exposed to SARS-CoV-2. The emergence of MIS-C was new and rapidly evolving that there were no diagnostic tests to identify these patients, nor were there tools to predict disease progression.

Materials/Methods: The study worked to discover unique proteomic and transcriptomic patterns, and conduct multicenter and bi-national test validation to diagnose and predict illness severity in children. Multi-center consortia in the U.S. and the UK utilized clinical data and collected samples. Transcript, protein, and antibody datasets from children with COVID-19, MIS-C, and other febrile illnesses were generated.

Outcome/Impact: The resulting data devised tests to distinguish children at risk of progression to severe COVID-19 or MIS-C, and diagnostic tests to distinguish these conditions from other causes of fever in children. These outcomes potentially aid front-line clinicians to distinguish between MIS-C, Kawasaki disease, and other similar febrile illnesses to allow prompt treatment and prevent severe complications.