PhD Scientific Days 2026

Cardiovascular Medicine and Research 1.

Temporal Dynamics of Cardiac Abnormalities in MIS-C: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Name of the presenter

Garai, Réka

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Pediatric Center, Bókay Unit, Semmelweis University

Authors

Dr. PhD Garai Réka¹, Lukács Adrienn², Csaba Réka³, Dr. Kéri Adrienn⁴, Dr. Nagy Rita⁴, Dr. Kói Tamás PhD⁵
1: Pediatric Center, Bókay Unit, Semmelweis University
2: Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute
3: Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University
4: Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute , Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University
5: Department of Stochastics, Institute of Mathematics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary, Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C/PIMS-TS) frequently involves the cardiovascular system; however, the temporal course and clinical significance of cardiac abnormalities remain incompletely understood.

Aims
To provide a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the temporal dynamics of cardiac abnormalities in children with MIS-C.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021282515). MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched up to March 2, 2025. Studies including ≥10 patients with ≥3 months of follow-up were eligible. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled prevalences of structural, functional, and electrophysiological cardiac abnormalities. Continuous biomarker data were summarized as medians with interquartile ranges.

Results
Fifty-eight studies involving 3,694 hospitalized children with MIS-C were included. Cardiovascular involvement was common in the acute phase, with coronary artery abnormalities reported in 13.2% (95% CI, 7.3–22.6) and left ventricular dysfunction in 35.7% (27.6–44.7). These abnormalities showed rapid improvement over time. Within 3–6 months, most findings substantially declined or resolved. Left ventricular function normalized, and cardiac biomarker levels returned to baseline shortly after their initial elevation.

Conclusion
Cardiac involvement in MIS-C is largely reversible, with favorable short- and mid-term outcomes. These findings provide robust quantitative evidence of rapid recovery and support streamlined, potentially less intensive follow-up strategies.

Funding
Supported by the 2025-2.1.1-EKÖP-2025-00014 University Research Scholarship Programme of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.