Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a frequent acquired childhood heart disease. This multisystemic vasculitic syndrome involves most organs and systems. The incidence in Turkey is unknown.

METHODS

Patients with KD at the Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients’ mean age was 4.1±2.4 years; eight (66.6%) were male and four (33.3%) female. Symptoms persisted for a mean 8.5±3.5 days. Ten (83.3%) patients were diagnosed with acute KD and two (16.6%) with subacute KD. Admission was most common in the 4th and 9th months, at three cases each. All patients had fever for at least five days, and oral mucosa changes. Other findings were conjunctivitis and polymorphic exanthems in 11 (91.7%) patients. Ten (83.3%) patients had complete KD and two 2 (16.6%) incomplete KD. Two (16.6%) patients had gallbladder hydrops and two (16.6%) had BCG vaccine reactivation. White blood cell count, CRP, and ESR were above normal limits. Thrombocytosis was present in four patients (33.3%), hyponatremia in eight (66.6%), hypoalbuminemia in three (25%), and sterile pyuria in three (25%). Four (33.3%) patients had echocardiography findings (two had left coronary artery dilation, and two had minimal mitral insufficiency and decrement in left ventricular functions that reversed with IVIG treatment). All patients received IVIG; nine received high-dose and three low-dose acetylsalicylate. One (8.3%) patient received a secondary dose of IVIG. Coronary findings persisted, although these regressed on check-ups on the 3rd and 6th months, and acetylsalicylate was continued.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It is important to raise awareness of KD, as rapid treatment can prevent complications.