Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS)

Abstract Introduction. Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS) is a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. There are also problems with the digestive system (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), conjunctivitis, headaches, swelling of the hands and feet, and others. Aim. The aim of the study is the clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients meeting the PIMS-TS criteria according to the RCPCH. This study aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients meeting criteria for PIMS-TS. Material and methods. The study was a retrospective analysis of hospital records of 29 PIMS-TS patients of the Provincial Paediatric Hospital in Bydgoszcz hospitalised between November 2020 and August 2021. Results. Fever was found in 100% of the patients. Other symptoms re-ported were gastrointestinal problems, headache, apathy, oral inflammation, and more. Every fourth patient was diagnosed with pulmonary interstitial lesions in the form of smudgy or fine patchy thickening. Echocardiographic tests showed decreased left ventricular contractility in 10 patients. Reduced left ventricular fractional shortening below 28% was found in four patients and ejection fraction below 55% in five patients. In every second child, abdominal ultrasound imaging showed lesions such as enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, peritoneal effusion, or enlarged liver. Changes were also confirmed by laboratory tests. Conclusions. Patients with PIMS-TS showed increased levels of inflammatory and myocardial dysfunction markers. The long-term prognosis for PIMS-TS is still uncertain. Further research and observation are needed to determine long-term complications and the actual pathomechanisms of the disease.