High Frequency of Cardiovascular Complications in Tunisian Kawasaki Disease Patients: Need for a Further Awareness

Abstract

Background: The outcome of Kawasaki disease (KD) depends on cardiovascular complications (CVCs).

Objectives: This study aimed to explore diagnostic features and CVCs in Tunisian patients with KD.

Methods: In total, 33 Tunisian patients (age, 2.9 ± 2.2 years) fulfilling the diagnosis criteria of KD, were retrospectively reviewed. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the two groups with regards to coronary complications (CCs).

Results: Diagnosis of KD was established at day 11 ± 5.1 from the beginning of the fever. Apyrexia was obtained in an average of 29 h after completion of intravenous immunoglobulin. CVCs were identified in 52% of cases: CC in 15 patients (giant aneurysm >8 mm in five patients) and non-CCs in 6 patients (severe in three patients). CCs were more frequently associated with the male sex (p = 0.037), fever lasting >8 days (p = 0.028) and longer time to apyrexia (p = 0.031).

Conclusion: In Tunisia, better knowledge and monitoring of KD are warranted.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm; computed tomography; coronary aneurysm; echocardiography; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; myocardial infarction.