Clinical aspects and laboratory tests of Kawasaki Disease in Iran

Abstract

Background: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a self-limiting vasculitis and is the main cause of acquired cardiac disease in childhood in developed countries. Early diagnosis and treatment of KD is necessary for prevention of cardiac complications in adolescence. The aim of the present study is to assess clinical aspects and laboratory tests in KD in Iran.

Methods: The study, undertaken in 2009, included all patients admitted to Kudakan hospital in Bandarabbas with a diagnosis of KD during 1997 to 2008. Forty-two children were included in this study. Seven patients were excluded because of incomplete records. All eligible patients’ records were reviewed and data including age, sex, clinical findings, and laboratory test results were summarized in a structured checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) software.

Results: Among the 35 patients studied, seven (20%) were female, and 28 (80%) were male. Mean age of the patients was 3.35±2.4. Fever was seen in 35(100%) patients, noninfectious bilateral conjunctivitis in 16(45.71%), noninfectious unilateral conjunctivitis in two (5.7%), lip color change in 18(51.4%), involvement of oropharynx in 19(54.3%), strawberry tongue in 11(31.4%), maculopapular rash in 18(51.4%), and erythmatous skin in six (17.1%). Ten patients had an erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) less than 30.

Conclusion: Prevalence of clinical findings in Iran is variable among different areas. Thus KD should be considered in all children with fever lasting five days or longer to prevent cardiac complications in future.