COVID-19 Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Children and Adolescents Hospitalized at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica in 2020-2021

Background and ObjectivesMultisystem inflammatory syndrome of children (MISC) carries a high attributable morbidity. We describe children aged MethodsAll were tested for SARS-CoV-2, infectious disease consultations performed, modified CDC criteria for MISC applied, charts reviewed and data analyzed.ResultsAmong 79 consecutive children with SARS-CoV-2, 41(52%) were hospitalised; with median age 10.5 years; Afro-Caribbean ethnicity 40(98%); males 21(51%); SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity 26 (63%), IgG/IgM positivity 7(17%), community exposures 8 (20%). MISC-cases 18 (44%) vs. non-MISC 23(56%) had fever (94% vs. 30%; pConclusionMISC was treated successfully with intravenous gammaglobulin, steroids and/or aspirin in 94% before cardiopulmonary decompensation, or need for inotropes, vasopressors, or invasive ventilation.