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Published on: November 20, 2015
Classical Kawasaki disease in a neonate
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wellington, New Zealand.
Summary
Kawasaki disease is rare in newborns but can be severe. Early echocardiography and intravenous gamma globulin treatment rapidly improved a neonate with coronary artery aneurysm.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.
- Neonatal KD, occurring in infants younger than 28 days, is exceptionally rare.
- KD in neonates may present atypically and progress rapidly.
Observation:
- A case of classical Kawasaki disease is presented in an infant under two weeks of age.
- Coronary artery abnormalities, specifically an aneurysm, were detected via echocardiography on day 5 of illness.
- The neonate presented with symptoms consistent with classical Kawasaki disease.
Findings:
- The infant received intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) treatment.
- Rapid clinical improvement was observed following IVIG administration.
- Echocardiography confirmed the presence of a coronary artery aneurysm.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of severe Kawasaki disease in neonates.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with IVIG are crucial for managing neonatal KD.
- Neonatal KD warrants heightened clinical suspicion due to its potential for rapid and severe cardiac complications.
