Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: 316 per 1 million COVID infections

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare complication associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with an incidence of 316 persons per 1 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, according to a study published online June 10 in JAMA Network Open.

Amanda B. Payne, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the COVID-19 Response Team at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues estimated population-based MIS-C incidence per 1 million person-months and estimated incidence per 1 million SARS-CoV-2 infections in those aged younger than 21 years using enhanced surveillance data from seven jurisdictions.

A total of 248 persons with MIS-C were reported in the seven jurisdictions. The researchers found that the incidence of MIS-C was 5.1 persons per 1 million person-months. Incidence per 1 million person-months was higher among Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander persons compared with Whites (adjusted incidence rate ratios, 9.26, 8.92, and 2.94, respectively). Per 1 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, the incidence of MIS-C was 316 persons and was higher among Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander persons compared with Whites (adjusted incidence rate ratios, 5.62, 4.26, and 2.88, respectively). Incidence was highest among children aged 5 years or younger and those aged 6 to 10 years (4.9 and 6.3 children per 1 million person-months, respectively).

"These estimates indicated that MIS-C was a rare complication associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in this cohort overall," the authors write. "Our findings of higher incidence among younger children and among Hispanic or Latino, Black, and Asian or Pacific Islander persons emphasize a need for further study of risk factors for MIS-C."

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries.

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