Incomplete Kawasaki disease in patients younger than 1 year of age: a possible inherent risk factor

Kawasaki disease in children with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin scar reactivity: Focus on coronary outcomes

BACKGROUND

/Purpose: Reactivity at the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar is a pathognomonic feature of Kawasaki disease (KD). However, its value in predicting KD outcomes has not been emphasized. This study explored the clinical significance of BCG scar redness with respect to coronary artery outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study collected data on children with KD from 13 hospitals in Taiwan during 2019-2021. Children with KD were categorized into four groups based on the KD type and BCG scar reactivity. Risk factors of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were analyzed in all groups.

RESULTS

BCG scar redness occurred in 49% of 388 children with KD. BCG scar redness was associated with younger age, early intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, hypoalbuminemia, and CAA at the first echocardiogram (p < 0.01). BCG scar redness (RR 0.56) and pyuria (RR 2.61) were independent predictors of any CAA within 1 month (p < 0.05). Moreover, pyuria (RR 5.85, p < 0.05) in children with complete KD plus BCG scar redness was associated with CAA at 2-3 months; first IVIG resistance (RR 15.2) and neutrophil levels ≥80% (RR 8.37) in children with complete KD plus BCG scar non-redness were associated with CAA at 2-3 months (p < 0.05). We failed to detect any significant risk factors of CAA at 2-3 months in children with incomplete KD.

CONCLUSION

BCG scar reactivity contributes to diverse clinical features in KD. It can be effectively applied to determine the risk factors of any CAA within 1 month and CAA at 2-3 months.

Retrospective analysis of children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of Kawasaki disease on our patients regarding coronary involvement demographic characteristics, treatment regimens, and clinical course.

METHODS

Our study included 104 patients diagnosed and hospitalized with Kawasaki disease in our center, from January 2004 to January 2019. In our study, patients were divided into three groups according to coronary artery involvement. Patients in group 1 had no echocardiographic findings, while the ones in group 2 had coronary artery dilatation and ones in group 3 had coronary artery aneurysm (CAA).

RESULTS

Among 104 patients, the median age was 9.15 (3.0-22.0) years, and 61 of the patients were male while 43 of the patients were female. With a wide range of 1.50-16.50 years of follow-up time, the median diagnosis age of our patients was 31 months (3.0-164.0). Fever duration (median day 10 (5-21), p = 0.025) was statistically significantly higher in group 3. Blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in group 3. There was a statistically significant difference between patients in group 3 and group 2 in which the lowest strain deformation values were in the patients of group 3. In contrast to group 1, the time for initiation of IVIG therapy is significantly prolonged both in group 2 (median: 9.5 days, p = 0.028) and group 3 (median: 10 days, p = 0.036).

DISCUSSION

In our study, serum CRP levels, WBC count, and neutrophil count were higher in patients with coronary artery abnormalities, in agreement with the previous studies. In the light of our results, we consider that the most important determining factor for the development of coronary artery aneurysm is the time of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration.

Coronary Artery Aneurysm in Kawasaki Disease: Coronary CT Angiography through the Lens of Pathophysiology and Differential Diagnosis

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory autoimmune vasculitis affecting the coronary arteries of very young patients, which can result in coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) with lifelong manifestations. Accurate identification and assessment of CAAs in the acute phase and sequentially during the chronic phase of KD is fundamental to the treatment plan for these patients. The differential diagnosis of CAA includes atherosclerosis, other vasculitic processes, connective tissue disorders, fistulas, mycotic aneurysms, and procedural sequelae. Understanding of the initial pathophysiology and evolutionary arterial changes is important to interpretation of imaging findings. There are multiple applicable imaging modalities, each with its own strengths, limitations, and role at various stages of the disease process. Coronary CT angiography is useful for evaluation of CAAs as it provides assessment of the entire coronary tree, CAA size, structure, wall, and lumen characteristics and visualization of other cardiothoracic vasculature. Knowledge of the natural history of KD, the spectrum of other conditions that can cause CAA, and the strengths and limitations of cardiovascular imaging are all important factors in imaging decisions and interpretation. Keywords: Pediatrics, Coronary Arteries, Angiography, Cardiac © RSNA, 2021.

Coronary artery aneurysm and facial drooping in a infant with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in infants and young children. Kawasaki disease that manifests as facial nerve palsy is extremely rare, and the diagnosis is challenging. We report a 4-month-old girl with Kawasaki disease who presented with fever, redness and cracking in the lips and oral cavity, and a right facial nerve palsy. The infant received intravenous immunoglobulin, acetyl salicylic acid, and warfarin. The patient's fever subsided on the following day, and the right-sided facial nerve palsy was relieved a month later.

Clinical features and mid-term follow-up in infants younger than 3 months with Kawasaki disease in a Chinese population

AIM

To explore the clinical features and mid-term follow-up of Kawasaki disease (KD) in infants younger than 3 months of age in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical signs, laboratory data, echocardiography results and outcomes for patients with KD diagnosed at our hospital from January 2009 to December 2013. A total of 1150 children were diagnosed with KD, and 200 KD patients were enrolled in this study. Group 1 included 40 children younger than 3 months of age. We randomly selected a control group as Group 2 included 160 children older than 3 months of age who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for KD and maintained follow-up for more than 1 year.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in clinical manifestations between the two groups, except respiratory infection. Group 1 was more likely to have incomplete presentation (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in laboratory data except for white blood cell counts between the two groups. Coronary artery abnormalities were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). At a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12-48 months), all patients with coronary artery abnormalities, except for giant coronary aneurysms, returned to normal in terms of diameter as assessed by echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants younger than 3 months of age with KD often present with incomplete criteria, and diagnosis may be delayed. In addition, there may be a higher risk of developing coronary artery abnormalities. All patients except those with giant coronary aneurysms recovered well without complications at mid-term follow-up.

Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Abnormality in Children With Kawasaki Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While coronary artery abnormality (CAA) has been established as the most serious complication of Kawasaki disease (KD), there have been no detailed systematic reviews of the risk factors associated with this condition. We searched six databases and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Study-specific odds ratios (ORs) for each factor were pooled using a random effects model. We identified four risk factors for CAA children with KD: gender (OR, 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-1.92), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.07-5.67), IVIG treatment beyond 10 days of onset of symptoms (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.23-5.97), and increased C-reactive protein levels (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02). More number of the five typical symptoms of KD was identified as a protective factor against CAA (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33-0.66). Pediatric patients with IVIG resistant were more likely to develop CAA within 1 month of the onset of KD than the general population, even in patients with other risk factors for CAA. Thus, there is a potential risk of CAA misdiagnosis if echocardiography is not carried out frequently. In summary, we report four risk factors for CAA and a protective factor against CAA in children with KD. We recommend that pediatricians consider these factors much more closely. With accurate prediction and early preventive treatment in high-risk patients, we can expect a reduction in CAA rates. Further research is now required to investigate the associations between CAA and other factors including the interval between KD onset and IVIG administration, platelet count, and the duration of fever. We also need to confirm whether the frequency of echocardiography within a month of KD onset should be increased in IVIG-resistant patients.

A new scoring system to predict Kawasaki disease with coronary artery lesions

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the independent risk factors and construct a scoring system for Kawasaki disease (KD) with coronary artery lesions (CAL) at acute and subacute stages.

METHOD

Data of KD inpatients at acute and subacute stages were reviewed in a tertiary care center from January 2009 to December 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 2305 acute and subacute KD cases were enrolled in this study with a CAL rate of 24.1%. The OR (95%CI) values of male, total fever duration ≥ 8 days, IVIG resistance (IVIGR), albumin (ALB) ≤ 35.9 g/L, eosionphils (EO) ≥ 2.2%, and monocytes (MO) ≥ 5.9% were 1.45 (1.15-1.82), 1.78 (1.43-2.22), 1.42 (1.09-1.85), 1.53 (1.23-1.91), 1.17 (0.94-1.45), and 1.37 (1.09-1.69), respectively. In patients ≤ 6 months old, the OR (95%CI) values for total fever duration ≥8 days, delayed diagnosis, and ALB ≤ 35.9 g/L were 3.61 (2.02-6.45), 3.49 (1.49-8.16), and 2.07 (1.14-3.74), respectively. ROC curve showed that the AUC value and sensitivity and specificity of predicting KD with CAL in patients ≤ 6 months old were 0.731, 64.7%, and 80.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent risk factors for acute and subacute KD combined with CAL, including being a boy, long fever duration, IVIGR, low ALB, elevated EO, and MO. Joint of parameters (total fever duration ≥ 8 days, delayed diagnosis, and ALB ≤ 35.9 g/L) can be used to predict the occurrence of CAL in KD patients ≤ 6 months old.

Clinical Characteristics of Kawasaki Disease in Infants Younger than Six Months: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease, which predominantly occurs in children under the age of 5 years. However, there are fewer cases of KD in infants younger than 6 months, which makes it difficult to diagnose. We investigated the clinical manifestations of KD in this age group and compared them with those in the older age group.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 239 patients with KD admitted to the Hallym Sacred Heart Hospital from January 2013 to June 2015. The data were categorized into 2 groups by age: Group A (≤6 months, n=26) and Group B (>6 months, n=213).

RESULTS

Group A had a longer hospitalization period than Group B (6.69 vs. 5.19 days, p=0.002). Group A had fewer clinical manifestations upon admission, due to which there was a higher incidence of incomplete KD (1.88 vs. 3.54 of the diagnostic criteria, p<0.05; and 19.2% vs. 4.2% incomplete KD incidence, p=0.002). The rate of cardiac complications was higher in Group A (30.8% vs. 11.7%, p=0.011).

CONCLUSION

The rate of cardiac complications of the patients younger than 6 months was significantly higher than that of the older patients. Therefore, infants younger than 6 months with unexplained fever for more than 5 days should be suspected as having KD, even if the principal clinical features are not fully presented. Echocardiography must be appropriately used for diagnosis of KD in suspected patients.

[A review of Kawasaki disease, a perspective from the articles published in Mexico since January 1977 to May 2012]

Kawasaki disease was described in 1967 by Tomisu Kawasaki. It affects children aged between one and 5 years, and it evolves with fever and small vessel vasculitis, which leads to cardiovascular complications, including coronary aneurisms, myocarditis, valve injuries, pericardial effusion and myocardial infarction; eventually involving many others organs. The etiology actually is not well known, as the exactly pathogenic mechanisms; however, now there are important advances. If the clinical signs and symptoms are identify early and the children received treatment with aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patients evolves without sequels. The Kawasaki disease is an infrequent disease in Mexico.

Clinically useful predictors of resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin and prognosis of coronary artery lesions in patients with incomplete kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of incomplete Kawasaki disease (iKD) is progressively increasing. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the predictors of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in iKD patients and compare them with those of IVIG resistance in complete Kawasaki disease (cKD) patients. We also compared the prognosis of coronary artery lesions (CALs) between the IVIG non-responders and responders in both iKD and cKD groups.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 234 cKD and 77 iKD patients were treated with IVIG between February 2009 and April 2012. Among these 311 patients, we reviewed the data of 77 iKD patients and 75 age-matched cKD patients.

RESULTS

Patients with iKD having an elevated neutrophil count {percentage of segmented neutrophils (SEG%) ≥79.0} were at risk of IVIG resistance, while patients with cKD having SEG% ≥79.25 and serum total bilirubin (TB) ≥0.56 mg/dL were at risk of IVIG resistance as shown by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Fractional changes of laboratory data before and after IVIG treatment showed that Creactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were significantly elevated in IVIG non-responders of the iKD group, whereas erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly elevated in IVIG non-responders of the cKD group. Among the patients who had CALs at 10 months after the start of illness, the z scores of coronary arteries were higher in IVIG non-responders of the iKD group, when compared with IVIG non-responders of the cKD group.

CONCLUSION

Elevated SEG%, changes in CRP and NT-proBNP levels may help in early detection of IVIG resistance in patients of the iKD group, which may aid in predicting the prognosis of CALs in these patients. Further studies with a larger number of patients are warranted.

Predictors of coronary artery aneurysms in Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity in young children. No study has attempted to stratify risk factors for coronary artery involvement in Indian children. We attempted to study prospectively the risk factors for coronary involvement in children with KD in a tertiary care hospital between October 2009 and November 2011. The clinical details and investigations for all children admitted with KD were tabulated, and echocardiography was performed; 37 children were admitted with KD; and 8 children (21%) had coronary artery abnormalities. Prolonged fever, wider dispersion of symptoms, and pyuria were significantly associated with the development of coronary lesions. Clinical factors such as wider dispersion of symptoms and prolonged fever along with presence of pyuria can increase the risk of coronary lesions. The presence of these factors may help direct aggressive management and prevent loss of precious time.

Periodic fever in MVK deficiency: a patient initially diagnosed with incomplete Kawasaki disease

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing 1 of 2 phenotypes, hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome and mevalonic aciduria, presenting with recurrent fever episodes, often starting in infancy, and sometimes evoked by stress or vaccinations. This autoinflammatory disease is caused by mutations encoding the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene and is classified in the group of periodic fever syndromes. There is often a considerable delay in the diagnosis among pediatric patients with recurrent episodes of fever. We present a case of an 8-week-old girl with fever of unknown origin and a marked systemic inflammatory response. After excluding infections, a tentative diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki syndrome was made, based on the finding of dilated coronary arteries on cardiac ultrasound and fever, and she was treated accordingly. However, the episodes of fever recurred, and alternative diagnoses were considered, which eventually led to the finding of increased excretion of mevalonic acid in urine. The diagnosis of MKD was confirmed by mutation analysis of the MVK gene. This case shows that the initial presentation of MKD can be indistinguishable from incomplete Kawasaki syndrome. When fever recurs in Kawasaki syndrome, other (auto-)inflammatory diseases must be ruled out to avoid inappropriate diagnostic procedures, ineffective interventions, and treatment delay.

The clinical profile of Kawasaki disease of children from three Polish centers: a retrospective study

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most common vasculitides of childhood. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the incidence of KD and to evaluate its presenting symptoms, clinical course, laboratory tests, and treatment in patients with complete KD and incomplete KD at three pediatric rheumatology centers in Poland from January 2011 to December 2012. A total of 27 Caucasian children (12 boys and 15 girls) with median age of 3 years (range 4 months–12 years) were included in this study. The incidence of complete versus incomplete KD was 17 (63 %) versus 10 (37 %) children, respectively. Patients with incomplete KD significantly less presented cervical lymphadenopathy (20 vs. 88.2 %; p = 0.00075), changes in extremities (30 vs. 76.5 %; p = 0.04), and bilateral nonpurulent conjunctivitis (60 vs. 100 %; p = 0.01). Cardiac assessments show that the majority of patients with KD have not got coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). The median time from the onset of symptoms to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion was 7 days for complete KD and 11 days for incomplete KD. IVIG delay in the incomplete KD had no effect on the incidence of CAA. In conclusion, there were no differences in demographic features, age of onset, and laboratory tests of patients with complete and incomplete KD. Patients with incomplete KD significantly rarely presented cervical lymphadenopathy, changes in extremities, and conjunctival injection. Electrocardiography is a sensitive test to recognize cardiac involvement in the acute phase of KD. Despite the fact that incomplete forms of presentation often delay diagnosis, in most patients treatment with IVIG can avoid complication of CAA.

Evaluation of clinical characteristics of Kawasaki syndrome and risk factors for coronary artery abnormalities among children in Denmark

AIM

To examine clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of Kawasaki syndrome patients in Denmark.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of hospitalization records for children <15 years of age with a Kawasaki syndrome discharge diagnosis identified through the Danish National Patient Registry during 1994 through June 2008 was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 284 cases <15 years of age were identified as Kawasaki syndrome (n = 279) and atypical Kawasaki syndrome (n = 5); 70.4% were <5 years of age and 64.4% were male. Most patients (91.5%; 258/282) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and 74.6% of these patients (191/256) received intravenous immunoglobulin before the 10th day of illness. A total of 37 (13.3%) Kawasaki syndrome patients were diagnosed with coronary artery abnormalities. Not receiving intravenous immunoglobulin treatment before the 10th day of illness, young age and male sex were significantly associated with the development of coronary artery abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

In Denmark, more than one in 10 children with Kawasaki syndrome develop coronary artery abnormalities. Physicians should increase their index of suspicion for early diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki syndrome among patients susceptible to increased risk of coronary artery abnormalities, particularly in infants who may have a more atypical presentation of the illness.

Incomplete clinical manifestation as a risk factor for coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: a meta-analysis

Incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) comprises a large proportion of the total number of cases. Although it has the potential of delaying diagnosis, it is not conclusive whether an incomplete presentation is a risk factor for coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs). We performed a meta-analysis to establish the risk of CAA in 20 studies including 4,504 cases and 32,519 controls, and the risk of giant aneurysm in two studies including 5,390 cases and 37,648 controls. The pooled results indicated that incomplete KD was associated with an increased risk of CAA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.447, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.158-1.808, p = 0.001]. Subgroup analyses demonstrated higher associations in patients younger than 12 months (OR = 2.023, 95 % CI = 1.252-3.271, p = 0.004), Asians and Indians (OR = 1.57, 95 % CI = 1.234-1.999, p < 0.001 and OR = 7.088, 95 % CI = 1.640-30.631, p = 0.009, respectively). Subgroup analysis according to the period of patient enrollment before and after 2004 showed increased association of incomplete KD with CAA only among studies with patients enrolled after 2004 (OR = 1.969, 95 % CI = 1.240-3.127, p = 0.004). In conclusion, incomplete KD seems to be associated with an increased risk of CAA, and this is more prominent in patients younger than 12 months, Asians and Indians.

Extensive coronary aneurysms with thrombosis in resistant Kawasaki disease

Giant coronary artery aneurysms that occur in 0.5 to 1% of patients with Kawasaki disease can be fatal if associated with thrombosis. Some patients may show persistent inflammation and fever despite treatment with repeated doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, and aspirin. This report describes an infant boy with resistant Kawasaki disease who presented with extensive coronary artery involvement and coronary thrombosis. His inflammation was not controlled with multiple doses of IVIG, parenteral and oral steroids, or high-dose aspirin, and he finally needed infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha. The progression of coronary thrombosis was arrested by the platelet glycoprotein 2b/3a receptor blocker, abciximab, during the acute phase of the disease.

Reaction at the bacillus Calmette--Guérin inoculation site in patients with Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) reaction is not included in the classical clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease (KD). However, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site has been mentioned among the "other clinical findings" that are present in about 30-50% of KD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of KD patients with reactions at the BCG inoculation site.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with KD between September 2000 and August 2010 was performed. The clinical presentations, laboratory results, treatment outcomes, and coronary artery abnormalities in the BCG-reactive [BCG(+)] and BCG-nonreactive [BCG(-)] groups were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

In total, 145 patients with KD diagnosed at our institution were included; 46 (31.7%) had a reaction at the BCG inoculation site. The BCG(+) group was younger than the BCG(-) group. Laboratory results showed higher white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and serum potassium levels, and lower low-density lipoprotein levels in the BCG(+) group. The BCG(+) group had a shorter fever duration before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and a shorter total fever duration than the BCG(-) group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the age at diagnosis was the only factor significantly associated with a reaction at the BCG inoculation site in KD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In countries with a national BCG vaccination program, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site could be a useful and early diagnostic sign of KD among younger patients, especially those younger than 6 months.

Increased incidence of incomplete Kawasaki disease at a pediatric hospital after publication of the 2004 American Heart Association guidelines

We sought to study the impact of the 2004 American Heart Association guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). We reviewed patient records from July 2000 to June 2002 (group 1) and July 2007 to June 2009 (group 2) at a tertiary children's hospital. The proportion of patients with incomplete KD in group 2 (56 of 118 [47%]) was significantly higher than that in group 1 (20 of 85 [24%], p = 0.001). Median age (months) and interquartile ranges for group 1 was 26 (range 12.5-52) and for group 2 was 38.5 (range 18-63; p = 0.072). The number of patients diagnosed with KD having just 2 symptoms other than fever was significantly higher in group 2 (2.4 vs. 16.9%, p < 0.001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase levels were obtained in a significantly greater number of patients with KD after the guidelines were published. Thirty-two of the 203 patients studied had coronary artery (CA) involvement (15.8%), 4 of whom had CA aneurysms (2%) and 28 had CA ectasia only (13.8%). CA involvement was seen in 13 of 85 (15.3%) patients in group 1 and 19 of 118 (16.1%; p = 1) patients in group 2. After publication of the 2004 AHA guidelines, diagnoses of incomplete KD and laboratory use increased at our center; however, the rate of CA involvement remained stable. There also was a trend towards older age in children diagnosed with KD. Laboratory parameters and CA involvement between incomplete KD and classic KD were comparable.

Plasma follistatin-like protein 1 is elevated in Kawasaki disease and may predict coronary artery aneurysm formation

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether plasma levels of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1), a pro-inflammatory protein produced by mesenchymal tissue, including cardiac myocytes, correlate with the development of Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery aneurysms (CAA).

STUDY DESIGN

FSTL-1 plasma levels were measured serially with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 48 patients with KD at time of diagnosis and, when available, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after onset of disease. These were compared with FSTL-1 plasma levels in 23 control subjects. Data were analyzed with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Plasma FSTL-1 levels were elevated in patients with acute KD compared with control subjects (P = .0086). FSTL-1 levels remained significantly elevated at 2 weeks after disease onset, but returned to control levels by 6 months. Seven patients with CAA had significantly higher FSTL-1 levels at the time of diagnosis than patients in whom aneurysms did not develop (P = .0018). Sensitivity and specificity rates for CAA at a specific FSTL-1 cutoff point (178 ng/mL) were 85% and 71%.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of FSTL-1 are elevated in acute KD and may predict cardiac morbidity in this disease. These results suggest a possible role for FSTL-1 in the formation of CAAs.

Complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease: two sides of the same coin

We sought to determine differences in clinical presentation, treatment response and coronary artery outcomes between complete and incomplete KD. All patients treated for KD between January 1990 and April 2007 were reviewed. Patients were classified as having an incomplete presentation if presenting with fever ≥ 5 days and <4 "classic" KD clinical signs. A total of 955 patients were included. Incomplete clinical presentation was seen in 217 cases (23%). Patient's demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar between groups with few exceptions. Patients presenting with incomplete KD had a longer median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis (7 [4-17] versus 6 [6-13] days, p < 0.001) and were less likely to be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (86% versus 96%, p < 0.001). No significant difference between groups were seen in regard to coronary artery abnormalities (incomplete 13% versus complete 11%, p = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

Complete and incomplete KD appear to be different sides of the same coin, differing only in the number of signs and symptoms at presentation. Similar laboratory findings and coronary artery outcomes between the two groups support this conclusion.

Assessment of risk factors for Korean children with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard therapy for KD, but more than 10% of KD patients do not respond to IVIG and are at high risk for the development of coronary artery lesions (CALs). To identify clinical and genetic risk factors associated with CAL development and IVIG nonresponsiveness, this study analyzed the clinical data for 478 Korean KD patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that incomplete KD, IVIG nonresponse, fever duration of 7 days or longer, and the CC/AC genotypes of the rs7604693 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PELI1 gene were significantly associated with the development of CALs, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.06 to 3.04. The risk of CAL formation was synergistically increased by the addition of individual risk factors, particularly the genetic variant in the PELI1 gene. Multivariate analysis also showed that a serum albumin level of 3.6 g/dl or lower was significantly associated with nonresponsiveness to IVIG [OR, 2.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-5.68; P = 0.006]. Conclusively, incomplete KD, IVIG nonresponsiveness, long febrile days, and the rs7604693 genetic variant in the PELI1 gene are major risk factors for the development of CALs, whereas low serum albumin concentration is an independent risk factor for IVIG nonresponsiveness.

Coronary artery lesions of incomplete Kawasaki disease: a nationwide survey in Japan

Incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) is associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment, which in turn can lead to the development of coronary artery lesions (CALs). The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological features of incomplete KD compared with complete KD and to identify risk factors for CALs from incomplete KD patients using data from a nationwide survey of 2007-2008 in Japan. A total of 23,263 patients were classified according to the number of principal clinical signs: 80% (n = 18,620) had complete forms of KD, 14.2% had four principal signs, 4.6% had three signs, and 1.2% had only one or two signs. In comparison with complete KD cases, the prevalence of CAL development tended to be larger and the proportion receiving initial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment were significantly smaller in patients with incomplete forms. In addition, hospital attendance after 7 days of illness or later was significantly associated with CAL development in all incomplete groups (OR: 2.52 in total patients with incomplete KD, 3.26 in those with one or two principal signs, 2.94 in those with three signs, 2.35 in those with four signs).

CONCLUSION

The higher prevalence of CALs in incomplete KD reflects difficulties in diagnosis and delays in treatment. More timely diagnosis and treatment of incomplete KD patients could further prevent the development of cardiac lesions.

Kawasaki syndrome: an intriguing disease with numerous unsolved dilemmas

More than 40 years have passed since Kawasaki syndrome (KS) was first described. Yet KS still remains an enigmatic illness which damages the coronary arteries in a quarter of untreated patients and is the most common cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in developed countries. Many gaps exist in our knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of KS, making improvements in therapy difficult. In addition, many KS features and issues still demand further efforts to achieve a much better understanding of the disease. Some of these problem areas include coronary artery injuries in children not fulfilling the classic diagnostic criteria, genetic predisposition to KS, unpredictable ineffectiveness of current therapy in some cases, vascular dysfunction in patients not showing echocardiographic evidence of coronary artery abnormalities in the acute phase of KS, and risk of potential premature atherosclerosis. Also, the lack of specific laboratory tests for early identification of the atypical and incomplete cases, especially in infants, is one of the main obstacles to beginning treatment early and thereby decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular involvement. Transthoracic echocardiography remains the gold-standard for evaluation of coronary arteries in the acute phase and follow-up. In KS patients with severe vascular complications, more costly and potentially invasive investigations such as coronary CT angiography and MRI may be necessary. As children with KS with or without heart involvement become adolescents and adults, the recognition and treatment of the potential long term sequelae become crucial, requiring that rheumatologists, infectious disease specialists, and cardiologists cooperate to develop specific guidelines for a proper evaluation and management of these patients. More education is needed for physicians and other professionals about how to recognize the long-term impact of systemic problems related to KS.

Shock: an unusual presentation of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common acute systemic vasculitis of childhood. Although KD has wide spectrum of clinical features, shock is not one of its common presentation form. We describe a 5-month-old female infant with severe shock syndrome requiring fluid resuscitation, inotropic support, and PICU admission. She was diagnosed retrospectively to have KD complicated by coronary artery aneurysms in spite of receiving early course of IV immunoglobulin.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of KD could be missed in the pediatric intensive care unit because of its atypical presentation and the wide array of associated clinical symptoms. Subsequently, intensivists and emergency room physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion not to miss it or diagnose it at an advanced stage of the illness.

Atipical Kawasaki disease with coronary aneurysm in infant

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile disease of unknown etiology, characterized by systemic vascular inflammation involving the small and medium sized arteries, with a predilection for the coronary arteries. It represents the leading cause of acquired heart diseases in children in developed countries. Diagnosis, difficult because of the clinical characteristics of the disease with typical signs and symptoms appearing sequentially and not simultaneously, may be even more complicated in case of unusual presentation, leading to delay in recognition, particularly in infant in whom a higher incidence of coronary arteries aneurysms has been reported. A high index of suspicion of Kawasaki disease must be maintained in case of prolonged fever in these patients. Timely appropriate treatment is essential to avoid severe sequels. We report the case of a 2 months old male infant with persistent febrile episode, transferred to us from another institution, who presented on echocardiography giant aneurysms on both coronary arteries.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with Kawasaki disease in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in the developed countries. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with KD in Turkey.

METHODS

The medical records of 24 patients treated for KD between January 1994 and June 2009 at Ankara University Medical School, Turkey were reviewed.

RESULTS

The male-to-female ratio was 1.4 : 1. The median age at diagnosis was 2 years (range: 6.5 months to 11 years). Conjunctivitis and changes in the lips and oral cavity were seen in 21/24 (87.5%), cervical lymphadenopathy 17/24 (70.8%), polymorphous rash 16/24 (66.7%) and peripheral changes in 12/24 (50%). Coronary artery abnormality (CAA) was observed in 8/24 (33.3%) cases. CAA was seen in both the complete and incomplete groups with similar frequency (31.3% vs. 37.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

KD must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of infants with prolonged fever.

Childhood cutaneous vasculitis: a comprehensive appraisal

Cutaneous vasculitides in childhood are rare and often present with clinical features distinct from adults. Diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitides in children was difficult because of lack of a satisfactory classification systems for this age group. A new international classification system for childhood vasculitis has been discussed in the following section along with important clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and recent therapeutic developments of important vasculitides in children.

Responsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulins and occurrence of coronary artery abnormalities in a single-center cohort of Italian patients with Kawasaki syndrome

Clues to predict the response to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and the development of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) in children with Kawasaki syndrome (KS) are still undefined. We examined retrospectively the medical charts of children hospitalized between February 1990 and April 2009 with diagnosis of KS. A total of 32 Italian patients with a mean age of 23.8 months were analyzed and all received IVIG according to two schemes: 0.4 g/(kg day) for 5 days or 2 g/kg in a single infusion, combined with oral acetylsalicylic acid. General, clinical and laboratory data were registered. Each patient was evaluated with echocardiography at admission, then with 3-day and weekly frequency, respectively, during hospital stay and for the first 6-8 weeks since onset, and finally with a regular 6-12 month follow-up over time, according to patient risk stratification. Five patients showing significantly higher values of C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission were IVIG-resistant after the first infusion (P = 0.04) in comparison with the remaining 27. Five patients out of 32 developed CAA, with no statistical significance when analyzed for IVIG dosage or IVIG-resistance. The demonstration of CAA was significantly higher in children aged <12 months (P = 0.037). Our experience, limited to a single-center cohort of 32 patients with KS, though treated with two different IVIG schemes, has shown that higher values of CRP and younger age at onset are nodal points in determining, respectively, a failure in the response to IVIG and an increased occurrence of CAA.