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Incomplete Kawasaki disease in patients younger than 1 year of age: a possible inherent risk factor

Yunku Yeo1, TaeYeon Kim, KeeSoo Ha

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|May 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infants with Kawasaki disease (KD) and prolonged fever are at higher risk for coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). Incomplete symptoms and longer fever duration predict CAA development in young KD patients, necessitating close monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) poses a significant risk for coronary artery abnormalities (CAA), particularly in infants under one year old.
  • Early identification of risk factors for CAA in this vulnerable population is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients younger than one year of age.
  • To improve early detection and management strategies for high-risk infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 136 KD patients under one year old treated between 2001 and 2006.
  • Analysis of clinical symptoms, fever duration, hematological findings, and development of CAA.
  • Multivariable logistic regression to determine significant predictors of CAA.

Main Results:

  • 11.8% of patients developed CAA.
  • Patients with CAA had a longer duration of total fever (9.1 days vs. 6.3 days) and fewer diagnostic symptoms (2.7 vs. 4.3).
  • Higher white blood cell and platelet counts were observed in the CAA group. Total symptoms (OR=0.493) and fever duration (OR=1.405) were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Incomplete clinical manifestations and prolonged fever duration are significantly associated with CAA development in infants with Kawasaki disease.
  • Close monitoring for incomplete KD, especially with persistent unexplained fever, is recommended.
  • Initiating treatment to shorten fever duration may help prevent CAA in high-risk infants.

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