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An Interesting Case of Refractory Kawasaki Disease With Co-infection
Ratan Kumar1, Adyasha Mishra2, Kumar Diwakar3
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur , IND.
Insights
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a childhood vasculitis. This case shows refractory KD can coexist with infection, requiring combined IVIG, antibiotics, and corticosteroids for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD), a childhood vasculitis, requires timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Early treatment aims to prevent coronary artery abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl presented with persistent fever fulfilling KD criteria.
- Initial treatment with IVIG and aspirin was ineffective.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae infection was identified via urine culture.
Findings:
- Refractory KD was diagnosed due to persistent fever.
- Treatment was escalated with a repeat IVIG dose, oral corticosteroid, and antibiotics.
- The patient showed clinical improvement after the intensified treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering concurrent infections in refractory KD.
- Combined immunosuppressive and antimicrobial therapy may be necessary for complex cases.
- Highlights the potential for infection to complicate Kawasaki disease management.
Abstract:
Kawasaki disease (KD), formerly called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is one of the common vasculitides of childhood. KD most commonly occurs in children over six months up to five years of age, although it can occur in young infants, older children, and adults. Early diagnosis is critical to achieving optimal treatment. We present a case of a three-year-old female child who was admitted with a fever for five days and fulfilled the diagnostic clinical criteria for KD. She was given intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. However, the fever persisted, and a urine culture showed the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae. We started an antibiotic based on her sensitivity. Since fever spikes were not subsiding, she was given a repeat dose of IVIG along with an oral corticosteroid for refractory KD, after which she showed clinical improvement. This case highlighted that refractory KD can coexist with infection.
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