Gastrointestinal hemorrhage complicating aspirin therapy in acute Kawasaki disease

Although gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a well-recognized complication of aspirin therapy, this side effect has not been previously reported in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). We describe two children with typical KD who had massive gastrointestinal bleeding that required hospitalization and transfusion. Physicians caring for patients with KD should instruct parents on the signs and symptoms of aspirin toxicity. Fortunately, gastrointestinal hemorrhage appears to be a rare complication of salicylate therapy in patients with Kawasaki disease.