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Takayasu arteritis in Korean children: clinical report of seventy cases
Insights
Takayasu arteritis in Korean children predominantly affects females and often presents with hypertension and heart failure. Early medical and surgical interventions are crucial for managing this rare pediatric vasculitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vasculitis Research
Background:
- Takayasu arteritis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease affecting large arteries, primarily the aorta and its branches.
- While typically affecting young women, its presentation and characteristics in pediatric populations, particularly in Korea, require specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and epidemiological features of Takayasu arteritis in a cohort of Korean children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of medical and interventional treatments in this pediatric patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 70 pediatric cases of Takayasu arteritis diagnosed in Korea.
- Review of patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings (including tuberculin reaction and ESR), and treatment modalities (corticosteroids, surgery, angioplasty).
Main Results:
- The study identified 70 cases, predominantly in females (57/70), with a mean age at presentation suggesting early-onset disease.
- Hypertension (92.8%) and congestive heart failure were the most common initial complaints, linked to involvement of the aorta and renal arteries.
- A higher frequency and intensity of positive tuberculin reactions were observed compared to the general population.
- Corticosteroids, surgery, and percutaneous intraluminal angioplasty were employed, with varying degrees of success and complications like restenosis.
Conclusions:
- Takayasu arteritis in Korean children is characterized by a strong female predominance and significant cardiovascular manifestations, including severe hypertension.
- The findings suggest a potential link with tuberculosis and highlight the need for prompt management with corticosteroids and consideration of surgical or interventional procedures.
- While angioplasty showed promise in blood pressure reduction, restenosis remains a concern, necessitating further research into long-term treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Seventy cases of Takayasu arteritis in Korean children are reported. There were 57 females and 13 males (male-to-female ratio; 1:4.4). The youngest patient was a 3-year-old female. Family history was positive in one patient. The most common chief complaints on admission were dyspnea, headache, palpitation, and edema which were due to hypertension and congestive heart failure. Hypertension was seen in 65 out of 70 patients (92.8%). The abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, and renal arteries were the most commonly involved sites in these children. Two patients had nephrotic syndrome. The frequency of positive tuberculin reaction was much higher in children with Takayasu arteritis compared with the general population, and the intensity of the reaction was also stronger. The majority of the patients required immediate medical treatment to control congestive heart failure due to hypertension at initial presentation. When ESR was elevated, corticosteroid was administered. Surgical treatment showed good results in six out of ten cases. Percutaneous intraluminal angioplasty was effective for lowering the blood pressure in six out of nine cases. In three cases, restenosis occurred and angioplasty was repeated in two cases.
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