Assessment of Features of MIS-C and Non-MIS-C Patients: Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Pediatric COVID-19 cases are typically known to be mildly symptomatic and show a good prognosis. However, more severe condition termed Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is encountered in children. This research aimed to evaluate the differences between MIS-C and non-MIS-C (children who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 but did not develop MIS-C) patients according to demographics, comorbidities, and symptoms conditions, as well as clinical, laboratory, radiological findings, treatment, and prognosis. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science-Direct, and LitCovid including articles on observational studies comparing the MIS-C and non-MIS-C cases published between 01 January 2020-15 January 2021. Results: Seventeen articles meeting the criteria were included. No difference was found in terms of gender and age from the demographic characteristics of the MIS-C and non-MIS-C groups. Black race and clinical findings such as fever, rash, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, and laboratory findings CRP and ferritin were found to be higher in the MISC group compared to the nonMISC group (p<0.05). Cardiac complications, use of some medical treatments (steroids, IVIG, inotropic therapy), and need for intensive care were also higher (p< 0.05). Conversely, the presence of comorbidity, presence of rhinoirhea, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, and platelet values were higher in the non-MIS-C group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Evaluation of MIS-C and non-MIS-C patients for various characteristics revealed differences that will guide the diagnosis of and approach to MIS-C cases.