Clinical characteristics of Kawasaki disease in adolescents

Abstract

Objective Studies focusing on Kawasaki disease (KD) in adolescents are lacking in Southwest China. We systematically summarized the clinical characteristics of KD in adolescents to improve pediatricians’ recognition of this condition. Methods The clinical data of patients with adolescent-onset KD in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into Group A (n = 7), whose first hospitalization was at our hospital, and Group B (n = 10), who were transferred from their local hospital or community health center. Results Seventeen patients with adolescent-onset KD were identified (constituent ratio of 0.8%). Seven patients had an intermittent fever for >10 days. The incidence of incomplete KD was 52.9%. These patients had a high incidence of other atypical clinical manifestations. Fifteen patients were initially misdiagnosed with other infectious diseases. Although the incidence of typical KD was higher in Group B, the overall misdiagnosis rate at the initial stages was higher and the average fever duration on arrival and before IVIG administration were much longer in Group B than A. Conclusions KD in adolescents was frequently misdiagnosed, which might be associated with its atypical, diverse clinical features and pediatricians’ poor recognition. Pediatricians must be aware of the possibility of KD in adolescents.

A 9-Year-Old Child with Kawasaki Disease Complicated with Mycoplasma Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…In recent years, the incidence of KD has increased significantly in East Asia, and the reports of KD among adolescents and even adults have gradually increased (Subspecialty Group of Cardiology the Society of Pediatrics, Subspecialty Group of Rheumatology the Society of Pediatrics, Subspecialty Group of Immunology the Society of Pediatrics, et al, (2022;Marchesi, A., Tarissi, D. J. I., Rigante, D., et al, 2018;Falcini, F., Capannini, S., & Rigante, D., 2011). However, the rate of early misdiagnosis of KD in adolescents is still high due to its atypical symptoms (Liu, X., Wang, F., Zhou, K., et al, 2021). The cause of the KD is still unknown, but it is considered to be related to infection factors at present.…”