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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
COVID-19 and Kawasaki Disease: Novel Virus and Novel Case
Veena G Jones1,2, Marcos Mills3,4, Dominique Suarez5
1Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and jonesvg@sutterhealth.org.
Insights
A 6-month-old infant with Kawasaki disease tested positive for COVID-19. The infant recovered after standard treatment, highlighting the need for further research into pediatric COVID-19 and Kawasaki disease links.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global health challenge, with ongoing efforts to understand its full clinical spectrum.
- Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness affecting infants and young children, primarily impacting coronary arteries.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant presented with symptoms consistent with Kawasaki disease.
- The infant also screened positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), exhibiting fever and mild respiratory signs.
Findings:
- The patient received standard treatment for Kawasaki disease, including intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose aspirin.
- Following treatment, the infant's fever resolved, and clinical symptoms improved. Initial echocardiogram was normal.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between pediatric COVID-19 and Kawasaki disease, warranting further investigation.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering COVID-19 testing in febrile infants, especially during the pandemic.
Abstract:
In the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are seeing widespread disease burden affecting patients of all ages across the globe. However, much remains to be understood as clinicians, epidemiologists, and researchers alike are working to describe and characterize the disease process while caring for patients at the frontlines. We describe the case of a 6-month-old infant admitted and diagnosed with classic Kawasaki disease, who also screened positive for COVID-19 in the setting of fever and minimal respiratory symptoms. The patient was treated per treatment guidelines, with intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose aspirin, and subsequently defervesced with resolution of her clinical symptoms. The patient's initial echocardiogram was normal, and she was discharged within 48 hours of completion of her intravenous immunoglobulin infusion, with instruction to quarantine at home for 14 days from the date of her positive test results for COVID-19. Further study of the clinical presentation of pediatric COVID-19 and the potential association with Kawasaki disease is warranted, as are the indications for COVID-19 testing in the febrile infant.
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