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Anticardiolipin response in Kawasaki disease
O Vaarala1, E Salo, P Pelkonen
1National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in nearly half of Kawasaki disease patients, with levels peaking early in the illness. This suggests a potential link between these antibodies and coagulation issues, including coronary artery aneurysms, in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies are linked to thrombosis, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Kawasaki disease is suspected to have an infectious origin and is associated with thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of anticardiolipin antibodies in Kawasaki disease patients.
Main Methods:
- Serial serum samples from 36 Kawasaki disease patients were analyzed.
- A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was employed to detect anticardiolipin antibodies.
- Changes in antibody levels were quantified by optical density units.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (47%) of patients showed significant changes in anticardiolipin antibody levels.
- Peak antibody levels were observed 1-2 weeks post-symptom onset.
- All four patients who developed coronary artery aneurysms exhibited a notable anticardiolipin antibody response.
Conclusions:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies are frequently present during Kawasaki disease.
- These antibodies may play a role in the coagulation abnormalities observed in Kawasaki disease.
- The findings suggest a potential link between anticardiolipin antibodies and the development of coronary artery aneurysms.