COVID-19 Study Reveals Reduced Risk of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children with Antiviral Therapy

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted in Thailand has shed light on the factors associated with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) following COVID-19 infection. The investigation, led by researchers at the Department of Pediatrics, aimed to identify specific risk factors linked to MIS-C in children. The study, which was conducted across three hospitals in Thailand, found a significant reduction in the risk of MIS-C development among children who received antiviral therapy during their COVID-19 infection. The research also found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and nutritional status in the development of MIS-C.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that antiviral therapy administered during COVID-19 infection was linked to a reduced risk of MIS-C development, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.20).
  • The study included 34 MIS-C cases and 68 controls, which were matched in a 1:2 ratio based on gender and age.
  • The researchers examined the association between various factors and MIS-C using conditional logistic regression.
  • The study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and nutritional status in the development of MIS-C.
  • The research concluded that the administration of antiviral treatment during COVID-19 infection was associated with a diminished incidence of MIS-C.

Statistics:

  • The study included a total of 102 participants, consisting of 34 MIS-C cases and 68 controls.
  • The study was conducted across three hospitals in Thailand: Chum Phae, Khon Kaen, and Srinagarind Hospitals.
  • The study found that antiviral therapy reduced the risk of MIS-C development by 94% (based on the adjusted odds ratio of 0.06).
  • The study was funded by The Medical Council of Thailand (Police General Dr. Jongjate Aojanepong Foundation) and The Chum Phae Hospital Research Fund Under The Ministry of Public Health.

Sources:

  • "Factors Associated with COVID-19 Infection Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Multicenter Matched Case-Control Study". Children, 2025,12(6):678.
  • Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. July 13, 2025; p 307.
  • NewsRx. Research on COVID-19 Detailed by Researchers at Department of Pediatrics (Factors Associated with COVID-19 Infection Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Multicenter Matched Case-Control Study).