Kawasaki disease in south India: a prospective, case-control study

To describe the clinical and laboratory profile of Kawasaki disease in south India and compare patients with normal and abnormal cardiac status.

This was a nested case-control study. All patients admitted to Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and March 2006 were included. They were stratified into two groups: cases, who had abnormal echocardiography (ECHO), and controls, who had normal ECHO. All clinical and laboratory investigations, results of echocardiography and management were recorded and follow-up was organised.

Of 56 patients, 36 (64.3%) were boys and 58.9% were under 3 years of age. Only 17.9% had an atypical presentation. Oral cavity changes and cervical lymphadenopathy were the most common clinical parameters and were detected in 85.7%. Thrombocytosis and elevated CRP on admission were seen in 41% and 100%, respectively. Echocardiography was abnormal in 27 (48.2%). Apart from raised CRP, which was higher in those with cardiac abnormality, the clinical and laboratory profiles were similar in the two groups.

Kawasaki disease is not uncommon in south India. The clinical and laboratory profiles were similar between those with and without cardiac echocardiographic abnormality.