Sweden's Open Pandemic Strategy Didn't Worsen Rare Child Illness, Study Finds
A Swedish national study of 338 children with MIS-C—a rare inflammatory condition triggered by COVID-19—found only 20% required ICU care, challenging fears that looser public health measures would amplify severe outcomes. The findings could reshape how health systems balance pandemic restrictions against economic and social costs in future crises.
Originaltitel: Low ICU Admission and Excellent Outcomes in MIS-C: A Swedish Study From an Open Society
<p>Aim During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden chose a more open public health approach. A general concern was that this approach would affect the population negatively. We describe the Swedish national MIS-C cohort and risk factors for severe disease defined as admission to the intensive care unit and cardiogenic shock.Methods Nationwide population-based cross-sectional study. All children and adolescents from 0 to 19 years of age with MIS-C from March 2020 to August 2022 were included. Multivariable logistic regression with ICU admission and cardiogenic shock as outcomes was used to evaluate risk factors for severe disease.Results A total of 338 MIS-C cases were identified; 69 patients (20%) required intensive care and 38 patients (11%) developed cardiogenic shock. Clinical findings associated with ICU admission were cardiac involvement: OR 14.00 (6.28-34.70), airway involvement: OR 6.75 (3.23-14.80), hyperinflammation: OR 3.25 (1.34-7.97), oedema: OR 2.40 (1.07-5.44) and diarrhoea: OR 2.23 (1.07-4.80). Clinical findings associated with cardiogenic shock were hyperinflammation: OR 5.10 (2.16-12.00), airway involvement: OR 4.87 (2.12-12.00), higher age (13-19 vs. 0-5 years): OR 3.85 (1.17-15.60), obesity: OR 3.55 (1.14-10.5) and diarrhoea: OR 2.48 (1.09-5.92).Conclusion In Swedish national MIS-C cohort, the rate of ICU admission was low and outcome excellent. Identifying risk factors for ICU admission and cardiogenic shock may facilitate early detection of risk patients.</p>