Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children treated with intravenous immunoglobulin monotherapy: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract

Background Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is one of the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as treatment results, of MIS-C patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) monotherapy. Methods This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with MIS-C. Demographic data, organ involvements at the admission, laboratory evaluations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were recorded. We evaluated outcomes by the length of the intensive care unit stay, the total hospitalization period, complications, and mortality. Results A total of 95 patients diagnosed with MIS-C were evaluated. The mean age was 118.8 (± 52.5) months. 76.8% of the patients had four or more organ systems involved. Seventy-nine patients (83%) were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for a mean of 4.59 days. Seventy-seven (81%) patients received IVIG. A second dose of IVIG was administered to 66.3% of patients. All patients received vitamin D and C supplementation. Six patients who had cardiac involvement or cerebral infarction were treated with plasmapheresis. No patients received steroids. There was no mortality at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions Favorable outcomes may be obtained with IVIG monotherapy in MIS-C patients. More clinical trials are needed to establish the role of supportive treatments like vitamin D and C in MIS-C management.