Kawasaki disease: evaluation of 15 cases

Abstract

Objective: Kawasaki disease is characterized with acute systemic self–limited vasculitis, commonly affects middle and small size arteries, occurs predominantly in children under 5 years old age. Most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Kawasaki disease are coronary artery complications. Aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate clinical and laboratory results of 15 Kawasaki patients who were followed-up in 2011-2016 years. Materials and Methods: In this study the clinical and laboratory data of 15 Kawasaki disease patients, who were followed-up in January 2011- May 2016, were evaluated retrospectively. Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was done according to the American Heart Association criteria. Results: Fever was most common clinical symptom and was seen in all patients. We observed coronary artery aneurysm only in one patient. During follow-up clinical and laboratory findings were improved and we did not determine any other complications. Conclusion: Kawasaki disease is characterized with acute systemic self – limited vasculitis, commonly affects middle and small size arteries, occurs predominantly in children under 5 years old age. Although coronary artery aneurysms was seen in 25% of untreated Kawasaki patients, the frequency of coronary artery aneurysm was decreased to 5% by using IVIG treatment. Despite the IVIG treatment, coronary aneurysms may be seen in different ratios in the gorups of Kawasaki patients due to genetic predisposition. Although we don’t have any information about the incidence of Kawasaki disease in our country, coronary artery aneurysms were seen lower in our patients than in other publications from our country.