Reports of children with Kawasaki disease hospitalized in pediatric units in Besat and Taminejtemaee Hospitals in Sanandaj (2001-2005)

Background: Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile systemic vasculitis mainly affecting children under 5. Its etiology is still unknown. Kawasaki disease can only be diagnosed clinically as there exists no specific laboratory test that can tell if someone has it. The cardiac complications are, by far, the most important aspect of the disease. This study reports the signs and the symptoms of patients with Kawasaki disease hospitalized in pediatric units in Besat and Taminejtemaee hospitals.

Methods: In this was a retrospective study of medical records of 20 patients with Kawasaki disease admitted to the pediatric units of Besat and Taminejtemaee hospitals from 2001 to 2005. Were evaluated and analyzed by statistical methods.

Results: 60% patients (12 cases) were male and 75% (15 cases) were aged between 2 and 5. The typical clinical manifestations were seen in 14 cases (70%). The most common sign was mucosal changes (85%). CRP was positive in 17 cases (85%). Cardiac valvular dysfunction was reported in 4 cases (20%) yet no aneurysm was reported. For 6 patients, the problem had started in summer. Two patients (10%) had hemoglobin <10 mg/dl with WBC under 10,000 in 8 cases (40%). IVIG and aspirin were administered for 15 patients (75%).

Conclusion: Our report shows a higher prevalence of atypical Kawasaki disease in these two hospitals compared to other areas. The fact that diagnosis is only clinical with no specific laboratory test to detect the disease emphasizes the importance of accurate clinical examinations during early stages which in turn will prevent future complications.