Characteristics of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Across COVID-19 Variants in Vojvodina.

Background/Objectives : To investigate if the severity and presentation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) vary between different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Methods : This retrospective study included 59 patients aged 0-18 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 and MIS-C, treated and monitored over a one-year period after discharge from hospital. The patients were grouped according to the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. The predominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 was assumed by the date of hospitalization. The following patient data were collected: demographic data (age, sex), information on comorbidities, body mass index, clinical data (fever and duration of febrile periods, symptoms of Kawasaki-like phenotypes, and presence of respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological and other symptoms), and laboratory and imaging findings. Results : In total, 24 (41%), 19 (32%), and 15 (25%) patients were diagnosed with MIS-C during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods, respectively (63.8% were males; 36.2% were females). Comorbidities were present in 49% of patients. Respiratory symptoms were the most common during the Delta period (73%, p = 0.028). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of other symptoms, laboratory findings, treatment, complications, and long-term outcomes between groups. Conclusions : No significant correlation was found between hospitalization date (used to estimate COVID-19 variant) and presentation/severity of MIS-C.