Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D in Kawasaki Disease and Its Interplay with the COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: Several studies have reported outbreaks of Kawasaki disease among children amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vitamin D possesses high utility in modulating the immune system to repair and prevent severe inflammation in COVID-19. This study aims to explore the association between Kawasaki disease and vitamin D levels in pediatric patients and describe the potential role of vitamin D in promoting recovery and preventing complications associated with Kawasaki disease in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: The association between Kawasaki disease and vitamin D was explored adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The association between COVID-19 and Kawasaki disease was also assessed by reviewing relevant literature. Results: Most studies indicated that patients with Kawasaki disease had lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplementation was also found to be deficient in the pediatric population with Kawasaki disease. Inflammation of the endothelium, cytokine storms, and endothelial dysfunction in patients suffering from COVID-19 may contribute to the development of Kawasaki disease. Vitamin D is believed to have protective potential for Kawasaki disease outcomes by modulating the inflammatory response. Conclusion: Administering vitamin D to pediatric patients with viral infections like COVID-19 is expected to accelerate clinical improvement and prevent complications from Kawasaki disease.