Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition that can develop in children who have had COVID-19. It can lead to cardiovascular complications, potentially caused by endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular health of children with MIS-C compared to healthy controls. Fifty-nine children with MIS-C and fifty-nine healthy individuals were included in this cohort study. Non-invasive techniques were employed to measure the brachial artery's flow-mediated dilation (FMD), aortic distensibility (AD), and aortic strain (AS). RESULTS: The MIS-C group demonstrated significantly higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.012), with a mean of 100.2 (10.1) mmHg compared to 95.3 (9.6) mmHg in the healthy group. The relative risk (RR) for elevated pulse pressure in the MIS-C group was borderline higher than in the healthy group (RR 95% CI: 1.06 [1.01-1.14]; P = 0.046). However, FMD, AS, and AD values were lower in the MIS-C group, with means of 13.6 (8.9), 10.4 (4.1), and 15.5 (2.7), respectively, although no significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with MIS-C exhibited higher pulse pressure, indicating potential arterial stiffness. They also showed lower FMD, suggesting endothelial dysfunction. FMD appears to be a more reliable indicator of endothelial dysfunction in MIS-C patients compared to aortic strain. These findings underscore the importance of early assessment and monitoring of cardiovascular complications in MIS-C patients. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are well-established risk factors for future cardiovascular events.