why choose us

🌐 Go to WebHealthNetwork.com
Go to Consumers Chat

Course: Postdischarge Glucocorticoid Use and Clinical Outcomes of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

CME Credits: 1.00

Released: 2022-11-11

Key Points

Question What are 3-month outcomes in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and what factors are associated with use of glucocorticoids following discharge?
Findings In this cohort study including 186 US children with MIS-C, severity of inpatient illness was not associated with duration of postdischarge glucocorticoid treatment; clinical outcomes were similar in patients prescribed shorter courses. Significant weight gain was common, but recurrent inflammation following hospital discharge was infrequent.
Meaning The findings of this study suggest that glucocorticoid tapers of less than 3 weeks are likely sufficient to treat MIS-C following discharge; shortening tapers is an important goal to avoid morbidity.

Abstract

Importance Minimal data are available regarding the postdischarge treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Objectives To evaluate clinical characteristics associated with duration of postdischarge glucocorticoid use and assess postdischarge clinical course, laboratory test result trajectories, and adverse events in a multicenter cohort with MIS-C.
Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included patients with MIS-C hospitalized with severe illness and followed up for 3 months in an ambulatory setting. Patients younger than 21 years who were admitted between May 15, 2020, and May 31, 2021, at 13 US hospitals were included. Inclusion criteria were inpatient treatment comprising intravenous immunoglobulin, diagnosis of cardiovascular dysfunction (vasopressor requirement or left ventricular ejection fraction -55%), and availability of complete outpatient data for 3 months.
Exposures Glucocorticoid treatment.
Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes were patient characteristics associated with postdischarge glucocorticoid treatment, laboratory test result trajectories, and adverse events. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate factors associated with postdischarge weight gain (-2 kg in 3 months) and hyperglycemia during illness.
Results Among 186 patients, the median age was 10.4 years (IQR, 6.7-14.2 years); most were male (107 [57.5%]), Black non-Hispanic (60 [32.3%]), and Hispanic or Latino (59 [31.7%]). Most children were critically ill (intensive care unit admission, 163 [87.6%]; vasopressor receipt, 134 [72.0%]) and received inpatient glucocorticoid treatment (178 [95.7%]). Most were discharged with continued glucocorticoid treatment (173 [93.0%]); median discharge dose was 42 mg/d (IQR, 30-60 mg/d) or 1.1 mg/kg/d (IQR, 0.7-1.7 mg/kg/d). Inpatient severity of illness was not associated with duration of postdischarge glucocorticoid treatment. Outpatient treatment duration varied (median, 23 days; IQR, 15-32 days). Time to normalization of C-reactive protein and ferritin levels was similar for glucocorticoid duration of less than 3 weeks vs 3 or more weeks. Readmission occurred in 7 patients (3.8%); none was for cardiovascular dysfunction. Hyperglycemia developed in 14 patients (8.1%). Seventy-five patients (43%) gained 2 kg or more after discharge (median 4.1 kg; IQR, 3.0-6.0 kg). Inpatient high-dose intravenous and oral glucocorticoid therapy was associated with postdischarge weight gain (adjusted odds ratio, 6.91; 95% CI, 1.92-24.91).
Conclusions and Relevance In this multicenter cohort of patients with MIS-C and cardiovascular dysfunction, postdischarge glucocorticoid treatment was often prolonged, but clinical outcomes were similar in patients prescribed shorter courses. Outpatient weight gain was common. Readmission was infrequent, with none for cardiovascular dysfunction. These findings suggest that strategies are needed to optimize postdischarge glucocorticoid courses for patients with MIS-C.


Educational Objective
To identify the key insights or developments described in this article


View Full Course