Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics (Oct 2019)
Refractory Kawasaki disease: diagnostic and management challenges
Abstract
Sophie Duignan,1,2 Sarah L Doyle,2 Colin J McMahon1,2 1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Dublin 12, Ireland; 2Department of Immunology, National Children’s Research Centre, Dublin, IrelandCorrespondence: Colin J McMahonDepartment of Paediatric Cardiology, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12, IrelandTel +3 531 428 2854Fax +3 531 409 6181Email [email protected]: Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute, self-limiting, medium-sized arterial vasculitis, is now the most common cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in the developed world. In this review, we discuss the diagnosis of KD, predicting resistance to traditional therapy and treatment options in refractory or high-risk disease. We also highlight ongoing clinical trials and other potential avenues of research which may prove beneficial in managing children, especially those with resistant KD.Keywords: aneurysm, arteritis, coronary, inflammation, Kawasaki, vasculitis
