%0 Generic %A Gámez-González L.B. %A Murata C. %A García-Silva J. %A Ulloa-Gutierrez R. %A Márquez-Aguirre M. %A Ríos-Olivares I. %A Faugier-Fuentes E. %A Domínguez-Rojas J.A. %A Yock-Corrales A. %A Álvarez-Olmos M.I. %A Fernández-Sarmiento J. %A Velasquez-Méndez M. %A Ivankovich-Escoto G. %A Tremoulet A.H. %8 2024 %U http://hdl.handle.net/10818/63239 %X BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) represents a diagnostic challenge because of its overlap with Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki disease shock syndrome, and toxic shock syndrome. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a frequently fatal complication of various pediatric inflammatory disorders and has been reported in MIS-C. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation by immune modulating therapies are essential for effectively managing MAS. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to determine the frequency, natural history, diagnostic metrics, treatment, and outcome of MAS in MIS-C within a large cohort of patients across 84 Latin American centers in 16 countries. We compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics between patients with and without MAS. RESULTS: Among 1238 patients with MIS-C, 212 (17.1%) fulfilled MAS criteria. Gastrointestinal and neurologic manifestations were more frequent in cases where MIS-C was complicated by MAS. Patients presenting with MIS-C complicated by MAS had a mortality rate of 12%, which was higher than those without it. Mortality was associated with MAS, seizures, arthritis, and shock. A ferritin or erythrocyte sedimentation rate ratio of >18.7 exhibited a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 75% in diagnosing MAS in MIS-C. CONCLUSIONS: MAS in MIS-C patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in the largest MIS-C Latin American cohort. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. %I Pediatrics %T Macrophage Activation Syndrome in MIS-C %R 10.1542/peds.2024-066780 %~ Intellectum