Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a critical condition observed in children occurring after a COVID-19 infection. It shares a similar diagnosis with Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and macrophage activation syndrome. Initially, only intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) were the preferred line of treatment. Corticosteroids (GC) were only used for patients, in whom IVGs were ineffective or who were critically ill.

A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease reported better results in moderate-to-severe cases of MIS-C. The data for this study were collected from a retrospective chart review from the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. The subjects were divided into two groups:- one undergoing monotherapy (IVIG alone) and another combined with corticosteroids (GC + IVIG). Several parameters were tested to determine the difference in outcomes between these groups. These factors included   cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature), inflammatory markers (CRP, D-dimer, ferritin, fibrinogen, NT-proBNP, etc.), and cardiac imaging (LVEF).

Out of the 39 participants, 20 had mild complications, while 19 had moderate complications. There was no major difference in miscellaneous factors such as age, comorbidities, or severity between groups. It was found that the IVIG + GC group performed better and showed significant improvement in health conditions. On the other hand, group IVIG only had to undergo other additional therapies (extra steroids or biologics like IL-1 inhibitors). No. of patient transfers and the duration of the stay were the same for both groups.