A Case of Severe MIS-C in Pediatric Diabetes: Complications of COVID-19

Abstract Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious inflammatory response to a prior coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by fever, inflammation, and multiorgan dysfunction. Current literature does not indicate a relationship between pediatric diabetes and risk of developing MIS-C. Here, we report a case of pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe multi-organ dysfunction with SARS-CoV-2 serology positivity. Clinical Case: A 13-year-old African American female with obesity (Body Mass Index >99th %) and poorly controlled T2D (HbA1c 12.8%) presented to the emergency department for one week of sore throat, headache, and abdominal pain. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was confirmed by PCR. The next day, she was found unconscious at home. She was diagnosed with DKA and was directly admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. IV insulin and aggressive fluid resuscitation were initiated and her DKA resolved over the next 72 hrs. However, she exhibited continued altered mental status with slurred speech and significant respiratory distress requiring respiratory support. Due to the severe presentation and multi-organ involvement, a multi-disciplinary care team was formed. Further workup confirmed acute respiratory distress syndrome with pneumonia; severe acute kidney injury (AKI, creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL); presumed myocarditis (ST elevation on EKG, troponin 4.47 ng/mL, BNP 129.8 pg/mL); punctuate intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the splenium of the corpus callosum; transaminitis (AST 188 u/L, ALT 100 u/L); pancreatitis (amylase 651 u/L, lipase >9500 u/L); thrombocytopenia with consumptive coagulopathy (platelet 81 X 103/µL, d-dimer 5.91 mcg FEU/mL), increased inflammatory markers (ESR 53 mm/hr, ferritin 127 ng/mL), and positive SARS-CoV-2 serology. A presumed diagnosis of MIS-C was made per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition and she was started on dexamethasone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). While consideration was given to the possibility of acute COVID-19 infection in combination with DKA, she was not a candidate for remdesivir due to AKI. On day 12, she developed new dysarthria, dyspraxia and behavioral changes. Encephalopathy workup was negative (CSF Encephalopathy autoimmune panel negative, NMDA receptor negative) and she was restarted on dexamethasone and IVIG. She was discharged on day 28. Conclusion: There is a paucity of literature of MIS-C associated with COVID-19 in the pediatric diabetes. Our case highlights several novel aspects of MIS-C with concurrent poorly controlled diabetes and DKA, including severe central nervous system manifestations and prolonged hospitalization. Further studies are warranted to elucidate an association between pediatric diabetes and MIS-C and to develop guidelines for management of MIS-C in poorly controlled pediatric diabetes.