Late Treatment and Recurrence of Kawasaki Disease in a Moroccan Infant

R Elqadiry1, O Louachama1, N Rada1

  • 1Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.

Insights

Recurrent Kawasaki disease (KD) is rare but possible in infants. Early diagnosis and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are crucial for managing this vasculitis and preventing coronary artery damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis primarily affecting young children.
  • While typical KD diagnosis is straightforward, atypical presentations and recurrences pose diagnostic challenges.
  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing recurrent KD in infants.

Observation:

  • An infant initially diagnosed with complete Kawasaki disease at 13 months presented with classic symptoms and inflammatory markers.
  • The infant received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, showing good initial response with normal echocardiography.
  • Seven months later, the same infant experienced a relapse with similar symptoms, leading to a diagnosis of recurrent KD.

Findings:

  • The recurrent episode met the American Heart Association criteria for KD.
  • Both initial and recurrent episodes were successfully treated with IVIG.
  • Echocardiography remained normal throughout both disease episodes, indicating no coronary artery abnormalities.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must consider the possibility of recurrent Kawasaki disease, even in infants.
  • Prompt recognition and management of recurrent KD are essential for preventing long-term complications, particularly coronary artery lesions.
  • This case underscores the variability of KD and the need for vigilance in diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment01:24

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
1.0K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
854
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
462
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
516
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
266
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
524