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Kawasaki disease
Catarina Gouveia1, Maria João Brito, Gonçalo Cordeiro Ferreira
1Departamento da Criança, Hospital Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal.
Summary
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Cardiac complications were more frequent in infants under two years old, suggesting infection may trigger KD immunopathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is the primary cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries.
- Its incidence is increasing, with a significant risk of coronary artery abnormalities in untreated cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data of KD cases at Hospital Fernando Fonseca.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing outcomes in pediatric KD patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 23 children diagnosed with KD between 1996 and 2003.
- Diagnosis based on fever plus classic criteria or coronary aneurysms.
- Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests.
Main Results:
- Incidence of 8.2 per 100,000 children under 5; median age 20 months, with 50% under 2 years.
- 74% male, 83% white; 43% had concomitant infections.
- Coronary artery disease occurred in 30% of patients, predominantly in those under 2 years.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac disorders are more common in the youngest children (< 2 years).
- Geographic clustering and identified infectious agents suggest infection as a potential trigger for KD immunopathogenesis.