Sequelae of Kawasaki disease in adolescents and young adults

The Central Role of Interleukin-1 Signalling in the Pathogenesis of Kawasaki Disease Vasculitis: Path to Translation

Kawasaki disease (KD) manifests as an acute febrile condition and systemic vasculitis, the etiology of which remains elusive. Primarily affecting children under 5 years of age, if untreated KD can lead to a significant risk of coronary artery aneurysms and subsequent long-term cardiovascular sequelae, including myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy mitigates the risk of aneurysm formation, but a subset of patients exhibit resistance to this treatment, increasing the susceptibility of coronary artery lesions. Furthermore, the absence of a KD-specific diagnostic test or biomarkers complicates early detection and appropriate treatment. Experimental murine models of KD vasculitis have substantially improved our understanding of the disease pathophysiology, revealing the key roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome and interleukin-1 (IL-1) signalling pathway. This review aims to delineate the pathophysiologic findings of KD while summarising the findings for the emerging key role of IL-1β in its pathogenesis, derived from both human data and experimental murine models, and the translational potential of these findings for anti-IL-1 therapies for children with KD.

Long-term cardiovascular inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model of vasculitis induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute febrile illness and systemic vasculitis, is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in industrialized countries. KD leads to the development of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) in affected children, which may persist for months and even years after the acute phase of the disease. There is an unmet need to characterize the immune and pathological mechanisms of the long-term complications of KD.

Methods

We examined cardiovascular complications in the Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE) mouse model of KD-like vasculitis over 4 months. The long-term immune, pathological, and functional changes occurring in cardiovascular lesions were characterized by histological examination, flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescent staining of cardiovascular tissues, and transthoracic echocardiogram.

Results

CAA and abdominal aorta dilations were detected up to 16 weeks following LCWE injection and initiation of acute vasculitis. We observed alterations in the composition of circulating immune cell profiles, such as increased monocyte frequencies in the acute phase of the disease and higher counts of neutrophils. We determined a positive correlation between circulating neutrophil and inflammatory monocyte counts and the severity of cardiovascular lesions early after LCWE injection. LCWE-induced KD-like vasculitis was associated with myocarditis and myocardial dysfunction, characterized by diminished ejection fraction and left ventricular remodeling, which worsened over time. We observed extensive fibrosis within the inflamed cardiac tissue early in the disease and myocardial fibrosis in later stages.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that increased circulating neutrophil counts in the acute phase are a reliable predictor of cardiovascular inflammation severity in LCWE-injected mice. Furthermore, long-term cardiac complications stemming from inflammatory cell infiltrations in the aortic root and coronary arteries, myocardial dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis persist over long periods and are still detected up to 16 weeks after LCWE injection.

Coronary artery thromboembolism as a cause of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA)

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) usually represents the clinical manifestation of atherothrombotic coronary artery disease (CAD) resulting from atherosclerotic plaque rupture. However, there are cases in which coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography angiography reveals patients with acute coronary syndrome with non-obstructive CAD. This clinical entity is defined as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and often considered as a clinical dynamic working diagnosis that needs further investigations for the establishment of a final etiologic diagnosis. The main causes of a MINOCA working diagnosis include atherosclerotic, non-atherosclerotic (vessel-related and non-vessel-related), and thromboembolic causes This literature review aimed to investigate the major thromboembolic causes in patients presenting with MINOCA regarding their etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods.

Inhibition of IL-1 Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Arrhythmias in a Murine Model of Kawasaki Disease

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness and systemic vasculitis often associated with cardiac sequelae, including arrhythmias. Abundant evidence indicates a central role for IL (interleukin)-1 and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) signaling in the formation of arterial lesions in KD. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the development of electrophysiological abnormalities in a murine model of KD vasculitis.

METHODS

Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract-induced KD vasculitis model was used to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of clinically relevant IL-1Ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist) and TNFα neutralization. Echocardiography, in vivo electrophysiology, whole-heart optical mapping, and imaging were performed.

RESULTS

KD vasculitis was associated with impaired ejection fraction, increased ventricular tachycardia, prolonged repolarization, and slowed conduction velocity. Since our transcriptomic analysis of human patients showed elevated levels of both IL-1β and TNFα, we asked whether either cytokine was linked to the development of myocardial dysfunction. Remarkably, only inhibition of IL-1 signaling by IL-1Ra but not TNFα neutralization was able to prevent changes in ejection fraction and arrhythmias, whereas both IL-1Ra and TNFα neutralization significantly improved vasculitis and heart vessel inflammation. The treatment of L casei cell wall extract-injected mice with IL-1Ra also restored conduction velocity and improved the organization of Cx43 (connexin 43) at the intercalated disk. In contrast, in mice with gain of function of the IL-1 signaling pathway, L casei cell wall extract induced spontaneous ventricular tachycardia and premature deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results characterize the electrophysiological abnormalities associated with L casei cell wall extract-induced KD and show that IL-1Ra is more effective in preventing KD-induced myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmias than anti-TNFα therapy. These findings support the advancement of clinical trials using IL-1Ra in patients with KD.

Association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and risk of Kawasaki disease in children: A nationwide longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Based on previous studies suggesting air pollution as a potential risk factor for Kawasaki Disease (KD), we examined the association of long-term exposure to childhood fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with the risk of KD.

METHODS

We used National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort data from 2002 to 2019, which included beneficiaries aged 0 years at enrollment and followed-up until the onset of KD or age 5 years. The onset of KD was defined as the first hospital visit record with a primary diagnostic code of M30.3, based on the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, and with an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prescription. We assigned PM2.5 concentrations to 226 districts, based on mean annual predictions from a machine learning-based ensemble prediction model. We performed Cox proportional-hazards modeling with time-varying exposures and confounders.

RESULTS

We identified 134,634 individuals aged five or less at enrollment and, of these, 1220 individuals who had a KD onset and an IVIG prescription during study period. The average annual concentration of PM2.5 exposed to the entire cohort was 28.2 μg/m³ (Standard Deviation 2.9). For each 5 μg/m³ increase in annual PM2.5 concentration, the hazard ratio of KD was 1.21 (95% CI 1.05-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide, population-based, cohort study, long-term childhood exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased incidence of KD in children. The study highlights plausible mechanisms for the association between PM2.5 and KD, but further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Subsequent development of Kawasaki disease following acute human adenovirus infection among siblings

We report a middle-childhood girl presented with high-grade fever and headache for 4 days. Following this, the child developed mucocutaneous symptoms. She had a notable family history of autoimmune disease. Tests revealed increased inflammatory markers. On the sixth day of illness, a two-dimensonal echocardiogram showed an enlarged coronary artery, diagnosed as incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) and treated with IVIG and aspirin.Within a week, her younger sibling, an early-childhood girl presented with features of viral prodrome, developed mucocutaneous lesions and subcutaneous oedema of limbs. Her investigations also showed elevated inflammatory markers and echocardiographic changes, diagnosed as incomplete KD.The subsequent development of KD in siblings, both showing initial viral symptoms and a family history of autoimmune disease, led to the suspicion of a potential viral trigger. This was confirmed through viral PCR studies for human adenovirus (type 3). These cases highlight an unusual occurrence of KD developing in siblings following acute adenoviral infection.

A Giant Coronary Aneurysm in a Suspected Kawasaki Disease Causing Asymptomatic Myocardial Ischemia

Coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease is not uncommon; however, giant coronary aneurysm exceeding 50 mm is extremely rare. In this article, we presented a case of giant coronary aneurysm involving right coronary artery with associated asymptomatic myocardial ischemia as evident by multimodality imaging.

Autoimmune Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Summary for Forensic Practice

Autoimmune heart disease is a non-random condition characterised by immune system-mediated aggression against cardiac tissue. Cardiac changes often exhibit nonspecific features and, if unrecognised, can result in fatal outcomes even among seemingly healthy young individuals. In the absence of reliable medical history, the primary challenge lies in differentiating between the various cardiopathies. Numerous immunohistochemical and genetic studies have endeavoured to characterise distinct types of cardiopathies, facilitating their differentiation during autopsy examinations. However, the presence of a standardised protocol that forensic pathologists can employ to guide their investigations would be beneficial. Hence, this summary aims to present the spectrum of autoimmune cardiopathies, including emerging insights such as SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiopathies, and proposes the utilisation of practical tools, such as blood markers, to aid forensic pathologists in their routine practice.

French national diagnostic and care protocol for Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis with a particular tropism for the coronary arteries. KD mainly affects male children between 6 months and 5 years of age. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the international American Heart Association criteria. It should be systematically considered in children with a fever, either of 5 days or more, or of 3 days if all other criteria are present. It is important to note that most children present with marked irritability and may have digestive signs. Although the biological inflammatory response is not specific, it is of great value for the diagnosis. Because of the difficulty of recognising incomplete or atypical forms of KD, and the need for urgent treatment, the child should be referred to a paediatric hospital as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. In the event of signs of heart failure (pallor, tachycardia, polypnea, sweating, hepatomegaly, unstable blood pressure), medical transfer to an intensive care unit (ICU) is essential. The standard treatment is an infusion of IVIG combined with aspirin (before 10 days of fever, and for a minimum of 6 weeks), which reduces the risk of coronary aneurysms. In case of coronary involvement, antiplatelet therapy can be maintained for life. In case of a giant aneurysm, anticoagulant treatment is added to the antiplatelet agent. The prognosis of KD is generally good and most children recover without sequelae. The prognosis in children with initial coronary involvement depends on the progression of the cardiac anomalies, which are monitored during careful specialised cardiological follow-up.

Cardiac Arrest as the Initial Presentation of Undiagnosed Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a self-limited acute vasculitis that mainly affects medium-sized arteries in childhood, with the coronary arteries being one of the main targets. A well-known complication is a coronary aneurysm with myocardial ischemia. We report the case of a 29-year-old female with an insignificant past medical history who presented with sudden cardiac arrest. Labs were significant for elevated troponin, consistent with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, given diffuse ST depression on the electrocardiogram. The patient underwent a coronary angiogram that revealed diffuse coronary artery disease with multiple ulcerations, aneurysms, and occlusions consistent with KD, despite denying prior history. Cardiac arrest may be the initial presentation of undiagnosed KD and should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses.

Autoptic Findings in Cases of Sudden Death Due to Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the second-most-common childhood vasculitis, and its etiology is still unknown today. Even though the acute illness is usually self-limiting, sometimes, it can generate complications, such as coronary artery aneurysms (CAA), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, or arrhythmias, and can rarely cause sudden or unexpected deaths. We present a review of the literature, which collects autoptic and histopathological data relating to many of the cases of these deaths. On the basis of the titles and abstracts, we selected 54 scientific publications for a total of 117 cases. Among them, as expected, the majority of the deaths were due to AMI (41.03%), arrhythmia (8.55%), acute coronary syndrome (8.55%), and CAA rupture (11.97%), involving mostly 20-year-olds or younger individuls (69.23%). This is not surprising since the CAs are the most involved arteries. Gross autoptic and histopathological findings are reported in the paper. Our work revealed that, when compared with the incidence of KD, only a few cases suffered from sudden death, underwent an autoptic examination, and were then described in the literature. We suggest that researchers should perform autopsies to gain a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in KD so as to propose further innovative therapeutic protocols or implement more appropriate prevention schemes.

Unexpectedly high incidence of Kawasaki Disease in a Canadian Atlantic Province- an 11-year retrospective descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries with a variable incidence worldwide. Previous studies reported an unexpectedly high incidence of KD in the Canadian Atlantic Provinces. The goals of our study were to validate this finding in the province of Nova Scotia and to carefully review patients' characteristics and disease outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all children < 16 years old from Nova Scotia diagnosed with KD between 2007-2018. Cases were identified using a combination of administrative and clinical databases. Clinical information was collected retrospectively by health record review using a standardized form.

RESULTS

Between 2007-2018, 220 patients were diagnosed with KD; 61.4% and 23.2% met the criteria for complete and incomplete disease, respectively. The annual incidence was 29.6 per 100,000 children < 5 years. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1 and the median age was 3.6 years. All patients diagnosed with KD in the acute phase received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); 23 (12%) were refractory to the first dose. Coronary artery aneurysms were found in 13 (6%) patients and one patient died with multiple giant aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

We have confirmed an incidence of KD in our population which is higher than that reported in Europe and other regions of North America despite our small Asian population. The comprehensive method to capture patients may have contributed to the detection of the higher incidence. The role of local environmental and genetic factors also deserves further study. Increased attention to regional differences in the epidemiology of KD may improve our understanding of this important childhood vasculitis.

Cardiac involvement and cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric primary systemic vasculitides

Pediatric primary systemic vasculitides are a complex group of diseases. Vasculitis subgroups are mainly determined according to the size of the predominantly affected vessels. In patients with primary systemic vasculitis, the location of vascular involvement, the size of the vessels, the extent of vascular damage, and the underlying pathology determine the disease phenotype and severity. Cardiac involvement is rare in some pediatric vasculitis, such as IgA vasculitis and polyarteritis nodosa, while it is more common in some others like Kawasaki disease and Takayasu arteritis. On the other hand, chronic inflammation in the setting of systemic vasculitis forms a major cardiovascular risk factor. Accelerated atherosclerosis and the tendency to thrombosis are the main issues determining the cardiovascular risks in pediatric systemic vasculitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in these patients to minimize morbidity and mortality. In this review, we aimed to raise physicians' awareness of cardiac involvement and cardiovascular risks in pediatric patients with primary systemic vasculitis.

Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) that mainly affects children. Symptoms include fever, chapped lips, strawberry tongue, red eyes (bulbar conjunctival injection), rash, redness, swollen hands and feet or skin peeling; and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. High fevers and systemic inflammation characterise the acute phase. Inflammation of the coronary arteries causes the most serious complication of the disease, coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs). The primary treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin), with doses and regimens differing between institutions. It is important to know which regimens are the safest and most effective in preventing complications.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVIG in treating and preventing cardiac consequences of Kawasaki disease.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 26 April 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of IVIG for the treatment of KD. We included studies involving treatment for initial or refractory KD, or both.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were incidence of CAAs and incidence of any adverse effects after treatment. Our secondary outcomes were acute coronary syndromes, duration of fever, need for additional treatment, length of hospital stay, and mortality. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 31 RCTs involving a total of 4609 participants with KD. Studies compared IVIG with ASA, another dose or regimen of IVIG, prednisolone, or infliximab. The majority of studies reported on primary treatment, so those results are reported below. A limited number of studies investigated secondary or tertiary treatment in IVIG-resistant patients. Doses and regimens of IVIG infusion varied between studies, and all studies had some concerns related to risk of bias. Primary treatment with IVIG compared to ASA for people with KD Compared to ASA treatment, IVIG probably reduces the incidence of CAAs in people with KD up to 30 days (odds ratio (OR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41 to 0.87; 11 studies, 1437 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The individual studies reported a range of adverse effects, but there was little to no difference in numbers of adverse effects between treatment groups (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.89; 10 studies, 1376 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There was limited evidence for the incidence of acute coronary syndromes, so we are uncertain of any effects. Duration of fever days from treatment onset was probably shorter in the IVIG group (mean difference (MD) -4.00 days, 95% CI -5.06 to -2.93; 3 studies, 307 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little or no difference between groups in need for additional treatment (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.57; 3 studies, 272 participants; low-certainty evidence). No study reported length of hospital stay, and no deaths were reported in either group. Primary treatment with IVIG compared to different infusion regimens of IVIG for people with KD Higher-dose regimens of IVIG probably reduce the incidence of CAAs compared to medium- or lower-dose regimens of IVIG up to 30 days (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89; 8 studies, 1824 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference in the number of adverse effects between groups (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.37; 6 studies, 1659 participants; low-certainty evidence). No study reported on acute coronary syndromes. Higher-dose IVIG may reduce the duration of fever compared to medium- or lower-dose regimens (MD -0.71 days, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.06; 4 studies, 992 participants; low-certainty evidence). Higher-dose regimens may reduce the need for additional treatment (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.88; 4 studies, 1125 participants; low-certainty evidence). We did not detect a clear difference in length of hospital stay between infusion regimens (MD -0.24, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.30; 3 studies, 752 participants; low-certainty evidence). One study reported mortality, and there was little to no difference detected between regimens (moderate-certainty evidence). Primary treatment with IVIG compared to prednisolone for people with KD The evidence comparing IVIG with prednisolone on incidence of CAA is very uncertain (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.48; 2 studies, 140 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and there was little to no difference between groups in adverse effects (OR 4.18, 95% CI 0.19 to 89.48; 1 study; 90 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain of the impact on duration of fever, as two studies reported this outcome differently and showed conflicting results. One study reported on acute coronary syndromes and mortality, finding little or no difference between groups (low-certainty evidence). No study reported the need for additional treatment or length of hospital stay.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The included RCTs investigated a variety of comparisons, and the small number of events observed during the study periods limited detection of effects. The certainty of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low due to concerns related to risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency. The available evidence indicated that high-dose IVIG regimens are probably associated with a reduced risk of CAA formation compared to ASA or medium- or low-dose IVIG regimens. There were no clinically significant differences in incidence of adverse effects, which suggests there is little concern about the safety of IVIG. Compared to ASA, high-dose IVIG probably reduced the duration of fever, but there was little or no difference detected in the need for additional treatment. Compared to medium- or low-dose IVIG, there may be reduced duration of fever and reduced need for additional treatment. We were unable to draw any conclusions regarding acute coronary syndromes, mortality, or length of hospital stay, or for the comparison IVIG versus prednisolone. Our findings are in keeping with current guideline recommendations and evidence from long-term epidemiology studies.

Risk factors in IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease and correlation with Japanese scoring systems - a study from Eastern India

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk factors of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistant Kawasaki disease (KD) and to evaluate the performance of the three Japanese risk-scoring systems, namely the Kobayashi, Egami, and Sano scores in predicting IVIG resistance among the Indian patients.

METHODS

Prospective observational study on children admitted with KD at Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, over a period of 16 months, from January 2019 to April 2020. The study included 70 KD patients all of whom were treated with IVIG. Clinical parameters, laboratory variables, and risk scores were compared between the IVIG-responsive and the IVIG-resistant groups.

RESULTS

A total of 31.4% were IVIG non-responders. Skin rash was found to be significantly associated with IVIG-resistant KD. The IVIG-resistant group had higher total bilirubin, lower albumin, higher CRP levels, and higher ALT and AST levels. High Kobayashi score, high Egami score, and high Sano score were significantly associated with IVIG resistance, individually. Sano score had the highest sensitivity (81.8%) and Kobayashi score had the highest specificity (77.1%) in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

The presence of skin rash, high total bilirubin, high CRP, high AST, high ALT, and low albumin were important predictors of IVIG resistance in our population. Among the three scores, Sano score is the most reliable in identifying potential non-responders to IVIG. But Sano score lacked good specificity. Therefore, Indian KD patients may need an exclusive scoring system to predict non-responsiveness to IVIG so that a more aggressive therapy can be instituted at the earliest. Key points • Early prediction of IVIG-resistant KD is necessary to limit cardiac injuries. • Sano score has high sensitivity to predict IVIG resistance in Indian population.

Syncope in a Patient With Giant Left Main Coronary Aneurysm: Is There a Link With Ventricular Arrhythmias?

Giant aneurysm of the left main coronary artery is exceedingly rare and accounts for less than 2% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. The etiology varies depending on the patient's age and geographic area, but half are of atherosclerotic origin. In most cases, coronary aneurysms are asymptomatic, however, symptomatic patients present with symptoms characteristic of coronary artery disease such as chest pain (angina pectoris), myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and even sudden death. Coronary angiography is considered the gold standard tool to determine the presence or absence of coronary artery disease, and if present, its size and location. Herein, we report a case of giant aneurysm of the left main coronary artery presenting as syncope and documented nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Kawasaki disease: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute self-limiting febrile vasculitis that occurs during childhood and can cause coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). CAAs are associated with a high rate of adverse cardiovascular events.

CASE SUMMARY

A Korean 35-year-old man with a 30-year history of KD presented to the emergency room with chest pain. Emergent coronary angiography was performed as ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads was observed on the electrocardiogram. An aneurysm of the left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery was found with massive thrombi within. A drug-eluting 4.5 mm 23 mm-sized stent was inserted into the occluded area without complications. The maximal diameter of the LCX was 6.0 mm with a Z score of 4.7, suggestive of a small aneurysm considering his age, sex, and body surface area. We further present a case series of 19 patients with KD, including the current patient, presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Notably, none of the cases showed Z scores; only five patients (26%) had been regularly followed up by a physician, and only one patient (5.3%) was being treated with antithrombotic therapy before ACS occurred.

CONCLUSION

For KD presenting with ACS, regular follow up and medical therapy may be crucial for improved outcomes.

The Predictive Values of MMP-9, PLTs, ESR, and CRP Levels in Kawasaki Disease with Cardiovascular Injury

Objective

To explore the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), platelets (PLTs), C reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and their predictive values in Kawasaki disease (KD) with cardiovascular injury.

Methods

128 children were diagnosed with KD in the Lanzhou University Second Hospital. 75 patients had coronary artery lesion (CAL), while 53 patients did not. The levels of MMP-9, PLTs, and CRP and ESR in the two groups were determined. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Youden index (YI) were used to evaluate the efficacy of MMP-9, PLTs, ESR, and CRP for predicting CALs in KD.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 2.7 ± 2.03 years (range, 2 months to 11 years). There were 87 boys (67.97%) and 41 girls (32.03%). In contrast to the NCAL group, the CAL group had obviously higher levels of MMP-9, PLTs, and CRP and an obviously higher ESR (P < 0.05). MMP-9 showed a linear positive correlation with ESR (P < 0.05) and CRP (P < 0.05). The AUC of the combined detection of the four indicators was 0.877, the sensitivity was 85.07% and the specificity was 78.95%.

Conclusion

MMP-9, PLTs, ESR, and CRP are important indicators for a CAL in KD. The efficacy of the combined detection of MMP-9, PLTs, ESR and CRP is better than that of any single indicator for predicting a CAL in KD.

Diagnosis of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: recent guidelines and z score systems

Kawasaki disease, an acute systemic vasculitis affecting children, is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries. This vasculitis has a predilection for the coronary artery, and coronary artery abnormalities are the main criteria for its diagnosis. The diagnosis of coronary abnormalities has historically been based on dichotomous criteria, but recent guidelines have accepted the body surface area-adjusted z score system to define coronary abnormalities and classify coronary artery aneurysms. Z score systems have improved risk classifications of coronary aneurysms and improved correlations with clinical prognosis. However, the discrepancy of calculated z scores according to the formula has been noticed in the application of the z score system, which is possibly related to the diagnosis of coronary artery abnormalities. This variability was greater in larger coronary aneurysm dimensions. A careful choice of the z score formula and its consistent use is needed in clinical applications.

Serum ferritin as a crucial biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Early identification and treatment are paramount for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery lesions (CALs) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). Unfortunately, there is no single crucial biomarker to identify these patients in a timely manner, which makes KD the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Recently, many studies have focused on the association between serum ferritin (SF), IVIG resistance, and CALs in KD. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the diagnostic and prognostic values of SF in predicting IVIG resistance and CALs in KD in the acute phase.

Methods

The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were extracted from the data to evaluate the SF levels in KD. The hazard ratios (HRs) of related risk factors and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to compute the pooled assessments of the outcomes.

Results

A total of 11 eligible articles were included in this meta-analysis, including twenty studies for diagnosis and five studies for prognosis. In terms of diagnostic values, SF could identify KD patients in the overall studies with a relatively high pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69-0.82), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.88), 4.33 (95% CI: 3.07-6.11), 0.29 (95% CI: 0.22-0.38), 15.0 (95% CI: 9.00-25.00), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.89), respectively. In studies comparing KD patients and controls, there were a relatively high pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.84), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79-0.91), 4.61 (95% CI: 3.27-6.51), 0.26 (95% CI: 0.20-0.34), 20.82 (95% CI: 11.83-36.64), and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.91), respectively. For the prognostic values, we found poor survival outcomes based on KD patients (HR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07-1.59, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that SF may be used as a workable and critical biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of IVIG resistance and CALs in patients with KD. We also propose that maintaining the dynamic balance between iron, SF, and ferroptosis will be an important therapeutic strategy to reduce the morbidity of CALs.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022279157].

A decision tree model for predicting intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery involvement in Kawasaki disease

Objectives

This study aims to develop a new algorithm for predicting intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery involvement in Kawasaki disease (KD) through decision tree models.

Methods

Medical records of children hospitalized for KD were analysed retrospectively. We compared the clinical characteristics, and the laboratory data in the groups with IVIG resistance and coronary artery dilatations (CADs) in KD patients. The decision tree models were developed to predict IVIG resistance and CADs.

Results

A total 896 patients (511 males and 385 females; 1 month-12 years) were eligible. IVIG resistance was identified in 111 (12.3%) patients, and CADs were found in 156 (17.4%). Total bilirubin and nitrogen terminal- pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were significantly higher in IVIG resistant group than in IVIG responsive group (0.62 ± 0.8 mg/dL vs 1.38 ± 1.4 mg/dL and 1231 ± 2136 pg/mL vs 2425 ± 4459 mL, respectively, P < 0.01). Also, CADs were more developed in the resistant group (39/111; 14.9% vs. 117/785; 35.1%, P < 0.01). The decision tree for predicting IVIG resistance was classified based on total bilirubin (0.7 mg/mL, 1.46 mg/dL) and NT-proBNP (1561 pg/mL), consisting of two layers and four nodes, with 86.2% training accuracy and 90.5% evaluation accuracy. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) evaluated the predictive ability of the decision tree, and the area under the curve (AUC) (0.834; 95% confidence interval, 0.675–0.973; P < 0.05) showed relatively higher accuracy. The group with CADs had significantly higher total bilirubin and NT-proBNP levels than the control group (0.64 ± 0.82 mg/dL vs 1.04 ± 1.14 mg/dL and 1192 ± 2049 pg/mL vs 2268 ± 4136 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.01). The decision trees for predicting CADs were classified into two nodes based on NT-proBNP (789 pg/mL) alone, with 83.5% training accuracy and 90.3% evaluation accuracy.

Conclusion

A new algorithm decision tree model presents for predicting IVIG resistance and CADs in KD, confirming the usefulness of NT-proBNP as a predictor of KD.

Clinical Significance of MPO-ANCA in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: Experience From a Longitudinal Chinese Cohort

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of myeloperoxidase (MPO)–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) from a longitudinal Chinese cohort.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with EGPA were consecutively enrolled and followed up. Two patients with PR3 ANCA was excluded and our analysis focused on the 118 patients with EGPA. On the basis of MPO-ANCA status, baseline clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independently associated factors for renal involvement.

Results

ANCA positivity was observed in 24.2% of patients with EGPA. Patients with MPO-ANCA accounted for 20.8%. Patients with positive MPO-ANCA had higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), higher ratios of fever, myalgia, renal involvement, and biopsy-proven vasculitis. Heart manifestations and asthma were more common in patients with negative ANCA. Baseline MPO-ANCA titers positively correlated with ESR, eosinophil count, and BVAS and were higher in patients with methylprednisolone pulse. Among patients with renal involvement, patients with positive MPO-ANCA had higher proportions of female, fever, biopsy-proven vasculitis, and faster ESR; patients with negative ANCA developed more skin and cardiac involvement. MPO-ANCA positivity, male, and ear involvement were the independent factors associated with renal involvement. Intravenous cyclophosphamide and immunoglobulins were prescribed more frequently in patients with positive MPO-ANCA.

Conclusion

In this cohort, patients with positive MPO-ANCA and negative ANCA displayed distinct clinical features, suggesting that MPO-ANCA might be a valuable biomarker for EGPA stratification. Baseline MPO-ANCA level correlated positively with disease activity of EGPA. MPO-ANCA was a significant independent factor associated with renal involvement.

Corticosteroids for the treatment of Kawasaki disease in children

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD), or mucocutaneous syndrome, is the leading cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in high-income countries. There is much controversy on how best to treat children with KD and in particular who may benefit from additional treatment beyond the standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, such as the addition of corticosteroids. This is an update of the review first published in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of corticosteroid use on the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities in KD as either first-line or second-line treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trials registers to 8 February 2021. We searched the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials involving children with all severities of KD who were treated with corticosteroids, including different types of corticosteroids, different durations of treatment, and where corticosteroids were used alone or in conjunction with other accepted KD treatments. We included trials using corticosteroids for both first- and second-line treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed study quality and extracted data using standard Cochrane methods. We performed fixed-effect model meta-analyses with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used a random-effects model when there was heterogeneity. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. The outcomes of interest were incidence of coronary artery abnormalities, serious adverse events, mortality, duration of acute symptoms (such as fever), time for laboratory parameters to normalise, length of hospital stay and longer-term coronary morbidity.

MAIN RESULTS

This update identified one new study, therefore the analysis included eight trials consisting of 1877 participants. Seven trials investigated the use of corticosteroids in first-line treatment and one investigated second-line treatment. The trials were all of good methodological quality. On pooled analysis, corticosteroid treatment reduced the subsequent occurrence of coronary artery abnormalities (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.75; 8 studies, 986 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), without resultant serious adverse events (0 events; 6 studies, 737 participants; moderate-certainty) and mortality (0 events; 8 studies, 1075 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). In addition, corticosteroids reduced the duration of fever (MD -1.34 days, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.45; 3 studies, 290 participants; low-certainty evidence), time for laboratory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) to normalise (MD -2.80 days, 95% CI -4.38 to -1.22; 1 study, 178 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (MD -1.01 days, 95% CI -1.72 to -0.30; 2 studies, 119 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported long-term (greater than one year after disease onset) coronary morbidity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-certainty evidence shows that use of steroids in the acute phase of KD can be associated with reduced coronary artery abnormalities, reduced inflammatory markers and shorter duration of hospital stay when compared to no corticosteroids. There were no serious adverse events or deaths reported with or without corticosteroid use. Low-certainty evidence shows use of corticosteroids can reduce duration of clinical symptoms (fever and rash). None of the included studies reported on long-term (greater than one year after disease onset) coronary morbidity. Evidence presented in this systematic review agrees with current clinical guidelines on the use of corticosteroids in the first-line treatment in KD.

Lymph-node-first presentation of Kawasaki disease in a 12-year-old girl with cervical lymphadenitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae: A case report

BACKGROUND

To the best of our knowledge, cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) occurring at the age of 12 are rare, even in Asia where the incidence of KD is high. We report a case of lymph-node-first presentation of KD (NFKD) in a 12-year-old girl with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infection who presented with prolonged fever and lymphadenitis refractory to macrolide antibiotics.

CASE SUMMARY

A previously healthy 12-year-old girl presented with fever, myalgia, sore throat, swelling, and tenderness on the right side of the neck. She was initially diagnosed with lymphadenitis caused by M. pneumoniae refractory to macrolide antibiotics. She had elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with KD. After receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, the fever resolved, and her symptoms improved.

CONCLUSION

NFKD should be differentiated from adolescent lymphadenitis presenting with prolonged fever by checking the BNP level early.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of infliximab for the treatment of Kawasaki disease refractory to the initial treatment: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Infliximab (IFX) treatment is approved in Japan for health insurance coverage in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of IFX and other therapeutic strategies for KD refractory to initial treatment, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasma exchange therapy.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study utilized data from the public medical insurance system of Japan. The target population included those who received treatment for KD between April 2012 and March 2019. Eligibility criteria were as follows: 1) initial onset of KD, 2) age < 15 years at onset, and 3) administration of 3rd line treatment if the 1st line treatment was IVIG alone or 2nd line treatment if the 1st line treatment was a combination of IVIG and steroids, in accordance with Japanese guidelines (2012). Those with KD-related cardiovascular complications before admission and those with congenital cardiac disease were excluded. The primary outcome was cost-effectiveness, which was calculated based on the number of admission events per annum divided by medical expenses per annum (times/10,000 US dollars). The Wilcoxon test was applied to analyze the difference in cost-effectiveness between patients who had received IFX and those who had not.

RESULTS

Among 1267 patients with KD, 25 received IFX treatment, while 206 received another treatment after the disease was designated refractory to initial treatment. The frequency of steroid use during initial IVIG treatment (a predictor of severity) was higher in the non-IFX group than in the IFX group (70.4% vs. 32.0%, p < 0.001) but became comparable after propensity-score matching. Our analysis indicated that IFX was more cost-effective than other treatments [1.04 (0.86, 1.34) vs. 1.38 (1.03, 1.79) (times/10,000 US dollars), p = 0.006].

CONCLUSIONS

IFX treatment may be more cost-effective than non-IFX treatment for patients with KD that is refractory to initial treatment.

Silent Kawasaki Disease Affecting Multiple Coronary Arteries in a 39-Year-Old Egyptian Woman

Kawasaki disease, an acute febrile illness, can cause vasculitis in the coronary arteries. It is the chief acquired cause of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in infants, children, and young adults in developed countries. We report a case of chronic, silent Kawasaki disease complicated by multivessel thrombosis in a 39-year-old Egyptian woman. The patient presented with progressive, unstable angina but was otherwise asymptomatic and at negligible risk of ischemic heart disease. Coronary angiograms showed critical arterial stenosis with multiple aneurysms. During revascularization surgery, the patient's harvested left internal mammary artery was found to have occlusive lesions and aneurysmal areas that made it unfit for bypass grafting, and subsequent histopathologic examination revealed features characteristic of chronic Kawasaki disease-associated systemic vasculitis. We think that this is only the second report of Kawasaki disease in the Arabian Mediterranean region. In addition to the patient's case, we discuss the epidemiology and management of Kawasaki disease, in hopes of increasing clinicians' awareness.

Spontaneous defervescence and its prediction in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

In Kawasaki disease (KD), fever occasionally resolves spontaneously before 10 days from the onset, right after diagnosing. However, there is not enough evidence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in this case. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between spontaneous defervescence and coronary artery aneurysm and to develop a scoring model for its prediction in acute KD.

METHODS

All patients admitted for acute KD in Asan Medical Center were considered for inclusion. Acute management involved the administration of 2 g/kg of IVIG and 5 mg/kg/day of aspirin. The patient whose temperature was <37.5°C for more than 48 h from the diagnosis was discharged under the judgment of spontaneous defervescence, without IVIG administration.

RESULTS

The incidence of coronary artery aneurysm was 5.7% in 94 defervesced patients and 4.6% in the 1,277 patients treated with IVIG in the subacute phase (P = 0.593), and 2.5 and 2.2% in respective patient groups in the convalescent phase (P = 0.924). A scoring model which predicted spontaneous defervescence under the combination of C-reactive protein ≤10mg/dL and ≥2 conditions of no rash, neutrophil ≤65%, and/or alanine aminotransferase ≤80 IU/L, was developed and showed 80.7% sensitivity, 68.8% specificity, 15.8% positive predictive value, and a 97.8% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of coronary artery aneurysm in patients with the defervesced KD was not different from the IVIG treated patients. In the cases suitable for the predictive model, patients can wait for the spontaneous defervescence under intensive observation by medical professionals.

High-Concentration Intravenous Immunoglobulin May Influence the Course of Fever and Rate of Reported Treatment Resistance in Children With Kawasaki Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) is defined as persistent or recrudescent fever ≥36 hours after IVIG infusion. We have experienced an increase in IVIG resistance in patients with KD since the substitution of 10% IVIG for 5% IVIG. This study aimed to determine the independent association between increased IVIG resistance and 10% IVIG therapy.

METHODS

Medical records of pediatric patients with KD were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between patients receiving 5% IVIG therapy and those receiving 10% IVIG therapy. Between IVIG-responsive and IVIG-resistant patients, a multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent factors for IVIG resistance.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients were included in this study: 81 (68.1%) and 38 (31.9%) patients received 5% and 10% IVIG therapy, respectively. IVIG resistance was identified in 34 (28.6%) patients: 44.7% of patients receiving 10% IVIG therapy and 21.0% of patients receiving 5% IVIG therapy (p = 0.008). The clinical manifestations and outcomes were comparable between patients who received 5% IVIG therapy and those who received 10% IVIG therapy. IVIG resistance was significantly associated with fewer fever days at IVIG administration (p = 0.032), a higher percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.013), and 10% IVIG treatment (p = 0.004) in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

10% IVIG therapy was significantly associated with increased reporting of IVIG resistance. However, the increase in patients with fever patterns consistent with IVIG resistance seemed to represent adverse febrile reactions resulting from using high-concentration IVIG rather than increased severity of KD.

Co-culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) reveals the important role of autophagy implicated in Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis syndrome that commonly occurs in children. Autophagy has been increasingly shown to be involved in various cardiovascular diseases, including endothelial dysfunction and vascular endothelial injury. However, whether autophagy is implicated in the pathogenesis of KD remains poorly understood, and particularly, how the dysfunction of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) is associated with autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from KD patients awaits further investigation.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from KD patients, common fever patients, and healthy controls. The PBMC samples were isolated from KD blood samples collected at three different phases: the acute phase before therapy (acute-KD), 1 week (subacute-KD), and 4 weeks (convalescent-KD) after drug administration.

RESULTS

The autophagy flux was significantly increased in the PBMCs of KD patients at acute phase. The PBMCs of acute KD patients could induce autophagy in HCAECs and promote the secretion of chemokines and pro-inflammatory factors after cocultured with HCAECs whereas 3-methyladenine (3-MA) drug could partly reverse this process.

CONCLUSIONS

Autophagy is involved in the inflammatory injury of vascular endothelial cells associated with PBMCs in KD patients, and may play a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Hence, we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of vascular injury in this disease.

Possible Coronary Sequelae of Kawasaki Disease in an Elderly Man

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute self-limited syndrome that predominantly affects children. Coronary sequelae have been identified to be responsible for a small, but significant percentage of young adults who present with myocardial ischemia. In this study, we present a case of an elderly patient with possible coronary sequelae of KD. A 76-year-old man was referred to our outpatient department for silent myocardial ischemia. Axial images of coronary computed tomography showed multiple lumens in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Coronary angiography demonstrated braid-like appearance in the proximal and distal segment of the LAD. Coronary intervention was successfully performed for the proximal LAD lesion using directional atherectomy (DCA) catheter. Microscopic examination of the DCA specimens showed the following histological features: tissues in densely hyalinized fibrosis with occasional microcalcification, or those containing a number of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with myxoid extracellular matrix. There was paucity of cholesterin crystals and aggregation of foamy cells. In addition, scarcely any inflammatory cell filtration was identified. In the section of SMC-containing samples, formation of multiple re-canalized vessels embracing endothelial cells was confirmed. These histopathologic findings indicated that the present coronary artery lesion has a high possibility of very late cardiovascular sequelae caused by arteritis due to KD, rather than arteriosclerosis. This is the oldest adult case with coronary artery disease possibly resulting from KD sequelae. This case highlights that KD sequelae must be considered as a cause of coronary artery lesion even in older patients.

Shedding light on vitamin D: the shared mechanistic and pathophysiological role between hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19 risk factors and complications

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) is the culprit of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which has infected approximately 173 million people and killed more than 3.73 million. At risk groups including diabetic and obese patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19-related complications and poor outcomes. Substantial evidence points to hypovitaminosis D as a risk factor for severe disease, the need for ICU, and mortality. 1,25(OH)D, a key regulator of calcium homeostasis, is believed to have various immune-regulatory roles including; promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines, down regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, dampening entry and replication of SARS-COV-2, and the production of antimicrobial peptides. In addition, there are strong connections which suggest that dysregulated 1,25(OH)D levels play a mechanistic and pathophysiologic role in several disease processes that are shared with COVID-19 including: diabetes, obesity, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm, and even hypercoagulable states. With evidence continuing to grow for the case that low vitamin D status is a risk factor for COVID-19 disease and poor outcomes, there is a need now to address the public health efforts set in place to minimize infection, such as lock down orders, which may have inadvertently increased hypovitaminosis D in the general population and those already at risk (elderly, obese, and disabled). Moreover, there is a need to address the implications of this evidence and how we may apply the use of cheaply available supplementation, which has yet to overcome the near global concern of hypovitaminosis D. In our review, we exhaustively scope these shared pathophysiologic connections between COVID-19 and hypovitaminosis D.

Assessment of Endothelial Dysfunction in Acute and Convalescent Phases of Kawasaki Disease Using Automated Edge Detection Software: A Preliminary Study From North India

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess endothelial dysfunction in acute and convalescent phases of Kawasaki disease (KD) using automated edge detection software.

METHODS

This was a case-control study to assess the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery (BA) in patients with KD during acute phase and at least 3 months after diagnosis. A 10-MHz multifrequency linear array probe attached to a high-resolution ultrasound machine (PHILIPS Medical System-IU22) was used to acquire the images. Automated edge detection software was used to assess BA diameter.

RESULTS

A total of 16 children with KD and 16 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Mean ± SD maximum BA diameter was found to be significantly low during the acute stage of KD (2.56 ± 0.36 mm) as compared with the convalescence phase (2.93 mm ± 0.31) and in healthy controls (2.95 mm ± 0.56). The mean ± SD percentage change in the FMD was found to be significantly low in the acute phase of KD (12.32 ± 6.2) as compared with the convalescence phase of KD (17.99 ± 8.13) and healthy controls (26.88 ± 12.76). The mean ± SD percentage change in the FMD was also found to be significantly low in the convalescence phase of KD as compared with healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The FMD of the BA is significantly reduced in patients during the acute and convalescence phase of KD as compared with normal healthy children. The endothelial dysfunction was present even in patients who had no obvious coronary artery abnormalities during the acute stage.

High risk of coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease

Objective

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of unknown aetiology with a high risk of coronary aneurysms if untreated. Timely treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin decreases the risk for coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). In this study, we set out to elucidate the factors associated with the risk of developing CAA.

Methods

Records of all KD-diagnosed children in Skåne between 2004 and 2014 were collected and clinical and demographic data were compiled. KD is defined according to the revised American Heart Association diagnostic criteria and classified as either complete KD (cKD) or incomplete KD (iKD).

Results

KD was diagnosed in 77 children and CAA was found in 31% (n = 24). Children with CAA were younger compared with children without (median; 20 vs 34 months) and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment within 10 days was less likely to be received (75% vs 91%). In children presenting with iKD, 47% developed CAA compared with 21% in cKD patients. Using multivariate analysis, an association between the risk of CAA with low age in children with iKD was observed.

Conclusion

The risk of CAA development is disturbingly high in young children with iKD. This highlights the importance of rapid intense treatment and vigilance in infants, who are the most difficult to diagnose, in order to reduce the frequency of CAA.

Comparison Between Currently Recommended Long-Term Medical Management of Coronary Artery Aneurysms After Kawasaki Disease and Actual Reported Management in the Last Two Decades

In the 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) Kawasaki disease (KD) guidelines, risk levels (RLs) for long-term management are defined by both maximal and current coronary artery (CA) dimensions normalized as z-scores. We sought to determine the degree to which current recommended practice differs from past actual practice, highlighting areas for knowledge translation efforts. The International KD Registry (IKDR) included 1651 patients with CA aneurysms (z-score > 2.5) from 1999 to 2016. Patients were classified by AHA RL using maximum CA z-score (RL 3 = small, RL 4 = medium, RL 5 = large/giant) and subcategorized based on decreases over time. Medical management provided was compared to recommendations. Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use ranged from 86 (RL 3.1) to 95% (RL 5.1) for RLs where use was "indicated." Dual antiplatelet therapy (ASA + clopidogrel) use ranged from 16% for RL 5.2 to 9% for RL 5.4. Recommended anticoagulation (warfarin or low molecular weight heparin) use was 65% for RL 5.1, while 12% were on triple therapy (anticoagulation + dual antiplatelet). Optional statin use ranged from 2 to 8% depending on RL. Optional beta-blocker use was 2-25% for RL 5, and 0-5% for RLs 3 and 4 where it is not recommended. Generally, past practice was consistent with the latest AHA guidelines, taking into account the flexible wording of recommendations based on the limited evidence, as well as unmeasured patient-specific factors. In addition to strengthening the overall evidence base, knowledge translation efforts may be needed to address variation in thromboprophylaxis management.

Phenotype, Susceptibility, Autoimmunity, and Immunotherapy Between Kawasaki Disease and Coronavirus Disease-19 Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in children is usually mild but some are susceptible to a Kawasaki disease (KD)-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the convalescent stage, posing a need to differentiate the phenotype, susceptibility, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy between KD and MIS-C, particularly in the upcoming mass vaccination of COVID-19. Patients with MIS-C are prone to gastrointestinal symptoms, coagulopathy, and shock in addition to atypical KD syndrome with fever, mucocutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy, and/or cardiovascular events. MIS-C manifests KD-like symptoms that alert physicians to early recognize and adopt the KD treatment regimen for patients with MIS-C. MIS-C linked to COVID-19 teaches us infection-associated autoimmune vasculitis and vice versa. Studies on genetic susceptibility have identified certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus and toll-like receptor (TLR) associated with KD and/or COVID-19. Certain HLA subtypes, such as HLA-DRB1 and HLA-MICA A4 are associated with KD. HLA-B*46:01 is proposed to be the risk allele of severe COVID-19 infection, and blood group O type is a protective factor of COVID-19. The autoimmune vasculitis of KD, KD shock syndrome (KDSS), or MIS-C is mediated by a genetic variant of HLA, FcγR, and/or antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) resulting in hyperinflammation with T helper 17 (Th17)/Treg imbalance with augmented Th17/Th1 mediators: interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, inducible protein-10 (IP-10), Interferon (IFNγ), and IL-17A, and lower expression of Treg-signaling molecules, FoxP3, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β). There are certain similarities and differences in phenotypes, susceptibility, and pathogenesis of KD, KDSS, and MIS-C, by which a physician can make early protection, prevention, and precision treatment of the diseases. The evolution of immunotherapies for the diseases has shown that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) alone or combined with corticosteroids is the standard treatment for KD, KDSS, and MIS-C. However, a certain portion of patients who revealed a treatment resistance to IVIG or IVIG plus corticosteroids, posing a need to early identify the immunopathogenesis, to protect hosts with genetic susceptibility, and to combat Th17/Treg imbalance by anti-cytokine or pro-Treg for reversal of the hyperinflammation and IVIG resistance. Based on physiological and pathological immunity of the diseases under genetic susceptibility and host milieu conditions, a series of sequential regimens are provided to develop a so-called "Know thyself, enemy (pathogen), and ever-victorious" strategy for the prevention and immunotherapy of KD and/or MIS-C.

Childhood Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: An Emerging Disease with Prominent Cardiovascular Involvement-A Scoping Review

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) is an emerging disease in children affected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and thought to be an immune-mediated post-infectious complication of SARS-CoV-2. The disease presentation is similar to Kawasaki disease but has certain distinguishing features. The exact pathogenesis is still not clear but an aberrant immune response, antibody-mediated vascular damage and virus-mediated abnormal type I and III interferon-gamma response are thought to be responsible. Most children who are previously healthy present after 2–4 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infections with febrile illness of short duration with prominent gastrointestinal, cardiac and hematologic manifestations, progressing to vasoplegic shock, requiring vasopressor therapy. Cardiovascular involvement is prominently marked by acute myocardial injury/myocarditis and the development of coronary artery aneurysms. Laboratory markers of inflammation are elevated uniformly. Most children require intensive care, and few need invasive ventilation. The treatment mainly consists of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapy like intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids. The overall prognosis is good and reported mortality rates are 0–4%.

Pericardial Effusion in Children Admitted With Kawasaki Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study From the Pediatric Health Information System

Pericardial effusion (PCE) can be associated with Kawasaki disease (KD). We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of the Pediatric Health Information System of children admitted with KD to determine the association between PCE and adverse outcomes. A total of 17 422 patients were in the cohort, of which 440 (3%) had PCE. PCE was associated with longer hospital length of stay (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.23; P < .01) and risk of readmission at 30 days (aOR = 1.42; P = .03). Black children were more likely to have a PCE (aOR = 1.54, P < .01) and longer length of stay (aOR = 1.05; P < .001). These data may support delayed discharge in children with PCE and KD in the hopes of preventing readmission. Special consideration needs to be given to how black children with KD are managed.

Prognosis and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Lesions before Immunoglobulin Therapy in Children with Kawasaki Disease

Background:

Many children with Kawasaki disease develop coronary artery lesions before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. However, little data are available on the prognosis of children with Kawasaki disease who developed coronary artery lesions before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.

Aims:

To explore the outcomes of coronary artery lesions before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in children with Kawasaki disease and analyze the factors that influence the duration of coronary artery lesions.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

All patients with Kawasaki disease who developed coronary artery lesions before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in our hospital from January 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the factors influencing the prognosis of coronary artery lesions.

Results:

Among 182 patients included, 28.6% were male, 83.50% were younger than 36 months, and 181 exhibited resolution of coronary artery lesions 2 years after disease onset. The median duration of coronary artery lesions was 31 days, and the proportion of coronary artery lesions was 52% at 1 month, 35% at 2 months, 33% at 3 months, 25% at 6 months, 14% at 1 year, and 0.5% at 2 years. The univariate analysis showed that overweight status, higher platelet count, lower albumin level, and starting treatment more than 10 days after disease onset were factors that possibly affect the duration of coronary artery lesions in children. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that female sex (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.661; 95% confidence interval, 1.117-2.470) was an independent protective factor, and overweight status (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.469; 95% confidence interval, 0.298-0.737), higher platelet count (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.649; 95% confidence interval, 0.443-0.950), and starting treatment more than 10 days after disease onset (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.392; 95% confidence interval, 0.215-0.716) were independent risk factors for a longer duration of coronary artery lesions.

Conclusion:

The average duration of coronary artery lesions before intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in children with Kawasaki disease is approximately 1 month. Male gender, overweight status, higher platelet count, and initiation of treatment more than 10 days after the onset of the disease are independent risk factors for longer-lasting coronary artery lesions.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in U.S. Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Understanding the epidemiology and clinical course of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and its temporal association with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is important, given the clinical and public health implications of the syndrome.

METHODS

We conducted targeted surveillance for MIS-C from March 15 to May 20, 2020, in pediatric health centers across the United States. The case definition included six criteria: serious illness leading to hospitalization, an age of less than 21 years, fever that lasted for at least 24 hours, laboratory evidence of inflammation, multisystem organ involvement, and evidence of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) based on reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), antibody testing, or exposure to persons with Covid-19 in the past month. Clinicians abstracted the data onto standardized forms.

RESULTS

We report on 186 patients with MIS-C in 26 states. The median age was 8.3 years, 115 patients (62%) were male, 135 (73%) had previously been healthy, 131 (70%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or antibody testing, and 164 (88%) were hospitalized after April 16, 2020. Organ-system involvement included the gastrointestinal system in 171 patients (92%), cardiovascular in 149 (80%), hematologic in 142 (76%), mucocutaneous in 137 (74%), and respiratory in 131 (70%). The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (interquartile range, 4 to 10); 148 patients (80%) received intensive care, 37 (20%) received mechanical ventilation, 90 (48%) received vasoactive support, and 4 (2%) died. Coronary-artery aneurysms (z scores ≥2.5) were documented in 15 patients (8%), and Kawasaki's disease-like features were documented in 74 (40%). Most patients (171 [92%]) had elevations in at least four biomarkers indicating inflammation. The use of immunomodulating therapies was common: intravenous immune globulin was used in 144 (77%), glucocorticoids in 91 (49%), and interleukin-6 or 1RA inhibitors in 38 (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 led to serious and life-threatening illness in previously healthy children and adolescents. (Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).

Echocardiographic Parameters During and Beyond Onset of Kawasaki Disease Correlate with Onset Serum N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP)

The N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), produced by cardiomyocytes, has several reported utilities and associations in acute Kawasaki disease (KD). The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between serum values of NT-proBNP at time of KD diagnosis with cardiac systolic, diastolic function and electrocardiographic changes, at onset of the disease and during the first year of follow-up. KD was diagnosed in 127 children between March 2007 and July 2014, mean diagnostic age 3.5 ± 2.9 years. Coronary artery maximum z score was 2.6 ± 2.8 (range - 0.6 to + 18.9), with giant aneurysm in 5/122 (4.1%). Age-adjusted NT-proBNP was 2.6 ± 1.6 z score, 78/122 (63.9%) > 2.0. There was a crescendo correlation between onset NT-proBNP z score and C-Reactive protein (CRP) serum levels (slope + 0.49, p < 0.001). There was a crescendo correlation between NT-proBNP z score and indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (slope + 1.86, p = 0.02), LV diastolic function parameter E/e' ratio (slope + 0.31, p = 0.04) and a decrescendo correlation with age-adjusted LV shortening fraction (SF) (- 0.63, p = 0.02). Lower SF z score, higher left ventricular mass index and E/e' ratio were associated with higher NT-proBNP z score, but without correlation with CRP levels. Within 2-3 months from the onset of the disease, there was a resolution of the systolic dysfunction. Electrocardiographic parameter changes were associated with decreased LV shortening fraction but not with NT-proBNP. KD patients with elevated NT-proBNP at onset have sub-clinical myocardial involvement and might benefit from follow-up and continued evaluation, even in the absence of coronary artery involvement.

Outcomes of Kawasaki disease with giant coronary aneurysms: a single-centre study in southwest China

BACKGROUND

Giant coronary aneurysms are the most severe complications of Kawasaki disease. There are few reports of outcomes from China. Most previous studies were based only on absolute aneurysmal dimensions. The aim of the present study was to catalog the outcomes of Kawasaki disease with giant coronary aneurysms in southwest China based on absolute dimensions and the z-score adjusted for body surface area.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients diagnosed with giant coronary aneurysms (z-score ≥ 10 or absolute dimension ≥ 8 mm) between December, 2002 and December, 2018 were included. We retrospectively analysed patient characteristics and clinical data from 38 patients with giant coronary aneurysms. Over a median follow-up period of 30.5 months (range from 1.7 months to 22.3 years), including patients in chronic phase who had been diagnosed prior to 2002, eight patients had myocardial infarction, including two deaths and one patient with coronary artery bypass grafting. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year event-free rates were 0.63, 0.63, and 0.53 for thrombosis, respectively, and 0.86, 0.81, and 0.81 for major adverse cardiac events, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year regression-free rates were 0.94, 0.85, and 0.67, respectively. A total of 73.7% of patients remained active.

CONCLUSION

In the early stages of Kawasaki disease, patients with giant coronary aneurysms often experience major cardiovascular events; however, they are also likely to have normalisation of the coronary internal luminal diameter. With long-term anticoagulation, close cardiologic monitoring, and prompt thrombolytic therapy, most patients can achieve disease-free periods.

Two females with coronary artery occlusion caused by presumed Kawasaki disease would have delivered without recognition of ischaemic heart disease

We report two females with coronary artery occlusion caused by presumed Kawasaki disease that delivered children without any special treatment. After a 58-year-old female had ventricular tachycardia, a giant coronary artery aneurysm with calcification at the bifurcation of the left coronary artery and segmental stenosis of the right coronary artery were pointed out by CT angiography. She had an episode of sepsis when 3 years old. Further, she remembered chest pain during sleep after that episode. She had delivered twice without any complication during her 20s. Her diagnosis was undiagnosed coronary artery lesions caused by presumed Kawasaki disease and a previous myocardial infarction, and she underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. The other 48-year-old female was accidentally discovered to have coronary artery calcification on CT, while experiencing pneumonia. Her CT angiograms revealed a right coronary artery occlusion and coronary artery calcification at segments 1, 6, and 11. She had a history of "scarlet fever" before 12 months. Premature ventricular contractions were detected, while delivering her first child when 31 years old. However, she was not diagnosed as ischaemic heart disease and delivered twice by a vaginal delivery without any complication. Current guidelines recommend systemic anti-coagulation and anti-platelet therapy for all patients with giant aneurysms resulting from Kawasaki disease in childhood. The two women reported here were fortunate not to have had complications during pregnancy and delivery despite their severe coronary artery aneurysms, which were unrecognised clinically until later in life. They were lucky cases.

Untapped potential: The utility of drylands for testing eco-evolutionary relationships between hosts and parasites

Drylands comprise over 41% of all terrestrial surface area and are home to approximately 35.5% of the world's population; however, both free-living and parasitic fauna of these regions remain relatively understudied. Yet, the very conditions that make these regions challenging to study – extreme environmental conditions and low population density for various organisms – also make them potentially untapped natural laboratories for examining eco-evolutionary relationships between hosts and parasites. Adaptations and ecological patterns illustrated by desert parasite communities can serve as exemplars within the extremes regarding the evolution of virulence, breadth of host spectra, and lifecycle strategies. This review provides relevant examples for each of these three topics using parasites from dryland regions in order to encourage future empirical tests of hypotheses regarding parasite ecology and evolution within dryland ecosystems and stimulate wider investigation into the parasitofauna of arid regions in general. As global climate changes and anthropogenic disturbance increases, desertification is a growing problem which has been labeled as a threat to global health. Thus, deserts not only provide useful natural laboratories in which to study parasite transmission but understanding parasite transmission within these habitats becomes increasingly important as larger, likely highly resource insecure, populations are projected to live on the margins of desert regions in the future.

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Drylands comprise over 41% of Earth's surface but their parasites are understudied.

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Desert parasite communities are exemplars within the extremes of parasite ecology.

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Can test hypotheses of virulence evolution, host spectra, and lifecycle strategies.

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Drylands can provide increasingly important insight into parasite transmission.

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Larger human populations are projected to live in arid regions as climate changes.

Serum IP-10 and IL-17 from Kawasaki disease patients induce calcification-related genes and proteins in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the major causes of heart disease and vasculitis in children under 5 years old in the world. Clinical evidence has shown that coronary artery calcification may develop in KD patients, however the mechanism has not been elucidated. Previous studies have found that interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 and interleukin (IL)-17 can be elevated and may play a role in KD development and coronary artery lesion formation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the possible role of plasma circulating IP-10 and IL-17 of KD patients in vascular calcification development and its underlying mechanism.

Result

Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) were used in this study. We found that HCASMCs treated with IP-10/IL-17-containing KD serum and co-treated with IP-10/IL-17 recombinant proteins could induce a phenotype that may promote vascular calcification by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 6 autocrine effect. Moreover, the BMP6 autocrine stimulation in IP-10/IL-17 co-treated HCASMCs could upregulate the smad1/5-runx2 signaling activation, thus increasing the expression of bone matrix-related proteins, i.e., osteopontin, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions

The presented in vitro results provided new insights into the comprehension of the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in SMCs in KD progression. Although additional in vivo experimental models should be completed to confirm the in vivo relevance of these in vitro findings, the results related to the autocrine role of BMP6 may provide a new direction for theranostic drug development to treat KD.

The Importance of Echocardiogram during the Second Week of Illness in Children with Kawasaki Disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the timing of peak coronary artery dilation and the characteristics of patients who present with new-onset coronary artery dilation during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease with an initial normal echocardiogram.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study analyzed 231 children hospitalized for Kawasaki disease in Hawai'i over a period of 7 years. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected to calculate the timing of peak z score, and study subjects were compared based on the timing of coronary dilation.

RESULTS

Peak coronary artery dilation was observed on average at 11.5 days from the onset of fever (median 8, IQR 7-13 days). Among study subjects with normal z scores in both coronary arteries during the initial encounter and echocardiogram (n = 164), 16 (10%) developed coronary artery dilation or aneurysm at the second echocardiogram, and 5 (3%) continued to have coronary artery dilation or aneurysm at the convalescent phase.

CONCLUSIONS

A repeat echocardiogram during the second week of illness (day 7-14 from fever onset) in patients with normal initial echocardiogram could identify new-onset coronary artery dilation or aneurysm and could be useful in the timely adjustment of antithrombotic or anti-inflammatory therapies.

Association of the IL16 Asn1147Lys polymorphism with intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis, mainly affecting children younger than 5 years old, with accompanying fever and signs of mucocutaneous inflammation. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard treatment for KD; however, ~15% of patients are resistant to IVIG treatment. To identify protein coding genetic variants influencing IVIG resistance, we re-analyzed our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 296 patients with KD, including 101 IVIG non-responders and 195 IVIG responders. Five nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in five immune-related genes, including a previously reported SAMD9L nsSNP (rs10488532; p.Val266Ile), were associated with IVIG non-response (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89-3.46, P = 0.0109-0.0035). In a replication study of the four newly-identified nsSNPs, only one in the interleukin 16 (IL16) gene (rs11556218, p.Asn1147Lys) showed a trend of association with IVIG non-response (OR = 1.54, P = 0.0078). The same IL16 nsSNP was more significantly associated with IVIG non-response in combined analysis of all data (OR = 1.64, P = 1.25 × 10^-4). Furthermore, risk allele combination of the IL16 CT and SAMD9L TT nsSNP genotypes exhibited a very strong effect size (OR = 9.19, P = 3.63 × 10^-4). These results implicate IL16 as involved in the mechanism of IVIG resistance in KD.