Vascular function and arterial stiffness in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with Covid-19
نویسندگان
1 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5 School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
6 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
7 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
8 Pediatric Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
9 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
doi
10.48305/arya.2025.43214.3008چکیده
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.
