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Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with Kawasaki disease in Turkey

Halil Ozdemir1, Ergin Ciftçi, Anil Tapisiz

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University Medical School, Dikimevi, Ankara, Turkey. doktorhalil@gmail.com

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|December 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Kawasaki disease (KD) in Turkish children often presents with fever and characteristic symptoms like conjunctivitis. A significant 33.3% of patients developed coronary artery abnormalities, highlighting the need for early diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is a primary cause of acquired heart disease in children.
  • Understanding KD's clinical and epidemiological profile in diverse populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the clinical and epidemiological features of Kawasaki disease in a Turkish pediatric cohort.
  • To assess the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities in children diagnosed with KD in Turkey.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 24 pediatric patients diagnosed with KD.
  • Data collected from Ankara University Medical School, Turkey, between January 1994 and June 2009.

Main Results:

  • The study included 24 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1 and a median age of 2 years.
  • Common symptoms included conjunctivitis, oral changes (87.5%), cervical lymphadenopathy (70.8%), and rash (66.7%).
  • Coronary artery abnormality (CAA) was observed in 33.3% of cases, irrespective of complete or incomplete KD diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Kawasaki disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for infants presenting with prolonged fever.
  • Prompt recognition and management are vital to mitigate risks, including coronary artery abnormalities.
Abstract

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