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Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Kawasaki-like syndromes in HIV-infected adults
K Stankovic1, P Miailhes, D Bessis
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hôtel-Dieu, and University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France. katia.stankovic@libertysurf.fr
Background:
Kawasaki-like syndrome (KLS) is rare in adults; one third of these patients are infected by Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our study reports cases of KLS occurring in HIV-positive adults and reviews the literature to compare their characteristics with HIV-negative adults and children with Kawasaki disease (KD).
Methods:
Report of cases and review of the literature.
Results:
Amongst 20 cases reviewed, including 4 who were managed at our institution, KLS was associated with severe immunosuppression and a high HIV viral load. There was frequent co-infection by hepatitis viruses. Desquamation and liver abnormalities were more frequent in HIV-negative adults whereas headaches and gastrointestinal disorders more common in HIV-positive adults. Intravenous immunoglobulin was effective therapy. Relapse was more frequent among HIV-positive patients. No cardiovascular complications or deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
Advanced immunosuppression due to HIV may predispose to KLS. The differential diagnosis that must be considered includes drug hypersensitivity reactions and staphylococcal infections.
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