Role of electrocardiometry in hemodynamic assessment of children with shock in multisystem inflammatory syndrome following COVID-19: A single-center prospective observational study

The hemodynamic profile in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has not been well described. Therefore, we conducted the study utilizing electrocardiometry (EC) to assess the hemodynamic characteristics in MIS-C patients presenting with shock. and Methods: This pilot prospective observational study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Children between 2 months and 18 years meeting the WHO criteria for MIS-C presenting with shock during second COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. All patients underwent measurement of hemodynamic profile with EC for the initial 48 h of enrollment. Based on EC assessment at enrolment, the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRi) of 1000–1600 dyn s/cm5/m2 was regarded as normal. The hemodynamic categorization was defined as vasodilatory shock in EC (VDEC) (SVRi <1000 dyn s/[cm5/m2]) and vasoconstrictive shock in EC (VCEC) (SVRi > 1600 dyn s/[cm5/m2]). Thirty-one children met the WHO case definition of MIS-C during the study period. Sixteen children with shock were enrolled and studied. Clinically, 7 (43.75%) children had cold shock, whereas 9 (56.25%) had warm shock. The measured baseline (mean [standard deviation]) hemodynamic variables were cardiac index (CI) of 6 ± 1.41 L/min/m2, stroke volume variation of 23% ±9.6%, SVRi of 954.75 ± 263.35 dyn s/(cm5/m2), and thoracic fluid content of 51.18 ± 17.26 ml. VDEC was the predominant manifestation (87.5%) based on EC. Vasodilatory shock was the predominant phenotype observed in critically ill children with MIS-C with shock by EC assessment.