Laboratory parameters between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in
children and Kawasaki disease
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been described to partially
overlap with Kawasaki disease (KD) with regard to clinical symptoms, but
they are unlikely to share the same disease entity. We conducted a
systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the laboratory
parameters of MIS-C compared with those of KD and Kawasaki disease shock
syndrome (KDSS). Databases were searched for studies on laboratory
parameters of MIS-C (hematology, inflammatory markers, cardiac markers
and biochemistry) through May 31, 2021. Twelve studies with 3073
participants yielded 969 MIS-C patients. In terms of hematology, MIS-C
patients had lower levels of leukocytes, absolute lymphocyte count and
platelet count (PLT) than KD patients and had similar absolute
neutrophil count (ANC) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In terms of
inflammatory markers, MIS-C patients had higher levels of C-reactive
protein, D-dimer and ferritin than KD patients and had similar levels of
procalcitonin and ESR. In terms of cardiac markers, MIS-C patients had
higher CPK levels than KD patients. The levels of NT-proBNP, troponin
and AST were not significantly different between MIS-C and KD patients.
In terms of biochemistry, MIS-C patients had lower levels of albumin,
sodium and ALT and higher levels of creatinine than KD patients. In
addition, MIS-C patients had lower levels of PLT, Hb and ESR and higher
levels of ANC than KDSS patients. Measurement of laboratory parameters
might assist clinicians with accurate evaluation of MIS-C and further
mechanistic research.