Aspirin Dose and Treatment Outcomes in Kawasaki Disease: A Historical Control Study in Japan

Different antithrombotic strategies to prevent cardiovascular complications in Kawasaki patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) poses significant cardiovascular risks, particularly in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate and compare antithrombotic strategies in preventing CAA formation secondary to Kawasaki disease and the ensuing CAA cardiovascular complications.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched major databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stenosis, bleeding, occlusion, and coronary artery lesion (CAL) formation were primary outcomes. Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scores assessed study quality. A meta-analysis, as well as sensitivity analysis and meta-regression, was performed to compare the efficacy of pharmacological strategies on the outcomes.

RESULTS

The study included 21 studies with 1045 patients for CAA complications and 41536 patients for CAA formation prevention. In children with CAA secondary to Kawasaki disease, the addition of warfarin to aspirin was associated with a significantly lower odds of myocardial infarction (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11-0.60, I2 = 25%) and mortality (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.88, I2 = 0%) compared to aspirin alone. However, there was no significant difference in MACE (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.08-1.93, I2 = 60%) and occlusion (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.02-1.92, I2 = 58%). Sensitivity analysis showed reduced thrombosis (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14-0.62, I2 = 0%), MACE (OR [95% CI] = 0.22[0.06-0.84], I2 = 46%), and occlusion (OR [95% CI] = 0.08[0.02-0.44], I2 = 36%). Meta-regression did not yield significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

As for the acute phase of KD, no benefit was conferred from adding high-dose aspirin to the routine IVIG alone regimen. However, the complexity of outcomes and the diversity in antithrombotic interventions underscore the need for tailored approaches and further research.

Bilateral facial nerve palsy complicating Kawasaki disease: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Kawasaki disease (KD) manifests as an acute, self-limited vasculitis disease that constitutes the primary cause of acquired heart disease in children under 5 years of age. Facial nerve palsy (FNP) is a rare complication associated with coronary artery lesions (CALs) in patients with KD. Patients with KD and FNP usually present atypically, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of KD.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 4-month-old boy with fever, left FNP and bilateral conjunctival injection with spontaneous resolution, was admitted to the hospital, received a short course of intravenous dexamethasone, and experienced rapid FNP recovery on the first admission. The patient experienced a resurgence of fever, bilateral conjunctival injection, and right FNP, which led to readmission. Physical examination revealed redness at the site of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin inoculation, reddening of lips, and desquamation of the distal extremities. Echocardiography revealed right-sided CALs.

DIAGNOSES

The patient initially missed KD on the first admission, and was later diagnosed with complete KD with FNP on the second admission.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

After a short course of intravenous dexamethasone, the left FNP resolved quickly. However, right FNP recurred after corticosteroids withdrawal. Meanwhile, more typical symptoms were observed, and KD was diagnosed. Treatment ensued with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), aspirin, and dexamethasone. The patient achieved rapid remission, without recurrence. Echocardiography continued to show normal findings during 1-year follow-up after discharge.

LESSONS

The clinical symptoms of FNP complicating KD in children are atypical and can easily lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. FNP in patients with KD may serve as a risk factor for CALs, which are more challenging to resolve than the FNP itself. Adding corticosteroids to IVIG may be recommended to reduce IVIG resistance, decrease the risk of developing CALs, and alleviate CALs.

Association between aspirin dose and outcomes in patients with acute Kawasaki disease: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Japan

This study aimed to identify the appropriate dose of aspirin to be prescribed to patients with acute Kawasaki disease (KD). Using a Japanese national inpatient database, we identified patients with KD treated with intravenous immunoglobulin between 2010 and 2021.The outcomes included the occurrence of coronary artery abnormalities and intravenous immunoglobulin resistance, length of hospital stay, and medical costs. Restricted cubic spline functions were performed to examine the association between aspirin dose and the outcomes. Data of 82,109 patients were extracted from the database. Non-linear associations were observed between aspirin dose and the outcomes. In comparison with an aspirin dose of 30 mg/kg/day, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for coronary artery abnormalities was 1.40 (1.13-1.75) at 5 mg/kg/day. An aspirin dose of ≥ 30 mg/kg/day did not significantly change the odds ratio for coronary artery abnormalities. Intravenous immunoglobulin resistance was significantly lower at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day or higher.

CONCLUSION

 The results showed no significant association between aspirin escalation over standard-dose and coronary artery abnormalities in patients with acute KD. High-dose aspirin showed the potential to reduce hospital stay and medical costs without increasing complications.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Aspirin is used as a standard treatment together with intravenous immunoglobulin for acute Kawasaki disease (KD). However, few studies have shown the most effective dosage of aspirin to prevent coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs).

WHAT IS NEW

• There was no significant association between aspirin dose escalation and CAAs in patients with acute KD.

[Evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease in children in China (2023)]

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute self-limiting vasculitis, and it is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children under 5 years old. One of the improvement goals in pediatric quality control work for the year 2023, as announced by the National Health Commission, is to reduce the incidence of cardiac events and KD-related mortality in children with KD. In order to standardize the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management practices of KD in China, and effectively prevent and reduce the incidence of coronary artery lesions and long-term adverse effects, the guideline working group followed the principles and methods outlined by the World Health Organization and referenced existing evidence and experiences to develop the "Evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease in children in China (2023)". The guidelines address the clinical questions regarding the classification and definition of KD, diagnosis of different types of KD, treatment during the acute phase of KD, application of echocardiography in identifying complications of KD, and management of KD combined with macrophage activation syndrome. Based on the best evidence and expert consensus, 20 recommendations were formulated, aiming to provide guidance and decision-making basis for healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of KD in children.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Kawasaki Disease: A Spectrum of Postinfectious Hyperinflammatory Disease

Kawasaki disease and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children are hyperinflammatory conditions that share similar emerging pathophysiology hypotheses, clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Although both conditions have key differences, growing evidence suggests that both conditions might be closely related on a larger spectrum of postinfectious autoimmune responses.

[Pediatric expert consensus on the application of aspirin in Kawasaki disease]

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the common acquired heart diseases in children aged <5 years and is an acute systemic vasculitis. After nearly 60 years of research, intravenous immunoglobulin combined with oral aspirin has become the first-line treatment for the prevention of coronary artery lesion in acute KD; however, there are still controversies over the role and optimal dose of aspirin. The consensus was formulated based on the latest research findings of KD treatment in China and overseas and comprehensive discussion of pediatric experts in China and put forward recommendations on the dose, usage, and course of aspirin treatment in the first-line treatment of KD.

Cytokine Cascade in Kawasaki Disease Versus Kawasaki-Like Syndrome

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel systemic vasculitis that predominantly occurs in children below five years of age. It is an acute febrile condition in which coronary artery aneurysms and myocarditis are the most common cardiovascular complications. It is most often characterized by hypercytoki-nemia. The etiopathogenesis of KD is not fully understood. The present review synthesizes the recent advances in the pathophysiology and treatment options of KD. According to different studies, the genetic, infections and autoimmunity factors play a major role in pathogenesis. Several susceptibility genes (e.g. caspase 3) and cytokines (e.g. IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α) have been identified in KD. Patients with high cytokine levels are predisposed to KD shock syndrome. The importance of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of the disease is unclear. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may induce in children and adults an abnormal systemic inflammatory response. This syndrome shares characteristics with KD. It has been called by many terms like MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), PIMS-TS (pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2), hyperinflammatory shock syndrome, cytokine storm (cytokine release syndrome) or simply, Kawasaki-like syndrome. The cytokine’s role in the development of KD or Kawasaki-like syndrome being triggered by COVID-19 is controversial. The presences of the antiendothelial cell autoantibodies (AECAs) together with the newly developed hypothesis of immunothrombosis are considered potential pathogenic mechanisms for KD. In consequence, the diagnosis and treatment of KD and Kawasaki-like syndrome, one of the most common causes of acquired heart disease in developed countries, are challenging without a clearly defined protocol.

Treatment of Kawasaki Disease: A Network Meta-Analysis of Four Dosage Regimens of Aspirin Combined With Recommended Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Aspirin was once believed to reduce the mortality of Kawasaki disease (KD) due to its effect on the thrombotic occlusion of coronary arteries. However, conflicting evidence has been found regarding aspirin treatment and its benefit in patients with acute KD. We compared the efficacy of different aspirin doses in acute KD. A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify studies comparing different doses of aspirin for acute KD. The primary outcome of interest was coronary artery lesions (CAL). We used random-effects network meta-analysis. Six retrospective studies, including 1944 patients receiving aspirin in doses of 0, 3-5, 30-50, or 80-100 mg/kg/day, were selected. The risks of CAL were not significantly different for the various doses of aspirin compared to the placebo: odds ratio (OR) was 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-1.71] for patients with aspirin 3-5 mg/kg/day; OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 0.67-2.26) for aspirin 30-50 mg/kg/day, and OR = 1.59 (95% CI: 0.74, 3.421) for 80-100 mg/kg/day. The P-score ranged from 0.76 for placebo to 0.19 for aspirin 80-100 mg/kg/day. The different doses of aspirin exhibited no significant difference with regard to the efficacy of CAL or with the secondary outcomes of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance or hospital stays for acute KD. Therefore, we found that treatment without any aspirin is not inferior to other doses of aspirin and can also slightly reduce the risk of CAL.

Kawasaki Disease- Management Strategies Given Symptoms Overlap to COVID-19: A Review

Kawasaki disease is an acute, self-limiting vasculitis in children. Early treatment is necessary to prevent cardiovascular complications. The acute phase of Kawasaki disease may present with hemodynamic instability. An association between viral respiratory infections and Kawasaki disease has been reported. Studies have shown that Kawasaki and Kawasaki-like disease may be associated with and have symptoms overlapping COVID-19. Children with COVID-19 may present as Kawasaki-like disease with pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome, or macrophage activation syndrome. Clinicians need to be aware of the early diagnosis and management of Kawasaki disease to prevent the development of coronary artery aneurysms. The symptoms overlap of multisystem inflammatory disease seen in COVID-19 adds to the difficulties in timely diagnosis and treatment. Children with Kawasaki disease require regular follow-up plans for coronary artery aneurysms. This adds to the difficulties during the changed environment of COVID-19 for control and prevention. Missed diagnosis and early treatment of Kawasaki disease with immunoglobulin and aspirin results in the development of coronary artery aneurysm in up to 25% of cases, with grave consequences. Here, we briefly review the management of typical and atypical Kawasaki disease which has symptoms overlapping with the multisystem inflammatory disease as seen in COVID-19.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)-A Case Series in December 2020 in Vienna, Austria

MIS-C is a novel clinical syndrome in children and adolescents, was first encountered in the spring of 2020 as a post COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome. The highest number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Austria were registered in November 2020. In December 2020, eight patients with MIS-C were hospitalized at the pediatric department of Klinik Donaustadt, a large municipal hospital in Vienna. Six of the patients needed pediatric intensive care. As we lack any international consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of this severe complication, we used a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose was to establish an internal standard for maximizing the efficacy and safety of treatment, and standardizing the clinical management of this disease.