2023 Department of Pediatrics Academic Annual Report

“ “We wanted to understand which children with cancer and COVID-19 were more likely to develop MIS-C. We also wanted to understand the symptoms and disease severity of MIS-C in this population.”

– Emily Johnston, M.D.,

Of the 2,035 children with cancer and COVID-19, 1.2% developed MIS-C. Eighty-three percent of children with MIS-C had a hematologic malignancy, and 50% had at least one comorbidity besides cancer. The study found that the majority of children with MIS-C

“We are hopeful that these findings can inform conversations between oncology teams and families regarding the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of prevention,” said Wolfson. “These preventions can range from vaccination, masking, as well as such treatment as antivirals and monoclonal antibodies.” ■

Of the 2,035 children with cancer and COVID-19, 1.2% developed MIS-C.

had their cancer directed therapy changed, and those with MIS-C face a more severe clinical course than others do.

These study results were published in JAMA Oncology in August. Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, is a co-author with Wolfson and Johnston.

These findings determine that MIS-C is a serious outcome for children with cancer and COVID-19. Preventing COVID-19 infection in this vulnerable population will have the additional benefit of preventing MIS-C and its associated complications.

2023 Academic Annual Report

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