Age-adjusted NT-proBNP could help in the early identification and follow-up of children at risk for severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C)

Table 6 Comparison of clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics according to the need of pediatric intensive care unit admission and inotropic support during hospitalization

Variable	PICU admission (n = 7; 41%)	No PICU admission (n = 10; 59%)	P value
Age (mo)2	6 (1-12)	2.5 (2-8)	NS.
Male sex1	8 (53)	14 (56)	NS.
Weight (kg)3	5 (71)	4 (40)	NS.
Days of fever2	4 (2-5)	4 (3-4)	NS.
Age-based Ross score2	16 (11-19)	4 (2-8)	0.003
Lymphocytes (/µL)2	1240 (720-5940)	1552 (1260-3100)	NS.
CRP (mg/L)2	171 (120-237)	167 (131-201)	NS.
Procalcitonin (ng/mL)2	3.6 (1.3-21.6)	2.5 (1.4-8.8)	NS.
Ferritin (ng/mL)2	814 (552-2789)	750 (517-878)	NS.
Dimer D (ng/mL)2	3436 (2461-9434)	4728 (3284-5290)	NS.
NT-proBNP (Z-log for age)2	5.41 (4.62-6.51)	4.48 (4-5)	0.016
Troponin I (ng/L)2	40 (10-909)	27 (10-43)	NS.
LVEF (%)2	48 (45-65)	62.5 (57-67)	0.034
Maximal CA diameter (Z-score)2	1.2 (0.55-1.4)	1.5 (0.5-3)	NS.

¹Data presented in frequency and percentage.

²Data presented in median and interquartile range.

³Data presented in mean and standard deviation.

CRP: C reactive protein; NT-proBNP: N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide; LVEF: Left ventricle ejection fraction; CA: Coronary artery; PICU: Pediatric intensive care unit; NS. (P > 0.05).