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Preterm birth and Kawasaki disease: a nationwide Japanese population-based study

Akihito Takeuchi1, Takahiro Namba2,3, Naomi Matsumoto4

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Okayama, Japan. gmd18025@s.okayama-u.ac.jp.

Pediatric Research
|October 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants face a higher risk of Kawasaki disease hospitalization. Exclusive breastfeeding may offer protection against this condition in preterm infants, according to a Japanese study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is linked to increased hospital admissions for acute diseases in infancy and childhood.
  • The specific risk of preterm children developing Kawasaki disease is not well-established.
  • This study investigates the association between preterm birth and Kawasaki disease morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if preterm birth increases the risk of hospitalization due to Kawasaki disease.
  • To explore the potential protective role of breastfeeding in mitigating Kawasaki disease risk among preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A large nationwide survey in Japan involving 36,885 children born in 2010 (34,880 term, 2005 preterm).
  • Analysis of hospitalization data for Kawasaki disease.
  • Log-linear regression models adjusted for various child, parental, and demographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants showed a significantly higher likelihood of hospitalization for Kawasaki disease (adjusted risk ratio: 1.55).
  • This increased risk was particularly evident in preterm infants who were partially or formula-fed compared to term infants exclusively breastfed.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding appeared to modify the adverse health outcomes associated with preterm birth.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants are at a significantly elevated risk for developing Kawasaki disease.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding may serve as a protective factor against Kawasaki disease in preterm infants.
Abstract

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