Abstract

BAQUERO, Richard et al. Kawasaki disease in children admitted to five centers in Barranquilla, Colombia, 2002-2008. Infect. [online]. 2010, vol.14, n.2, pp.143-149. ISSN 0123-9392.

Introduction:Kawasaki disease has become the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. However, although there are well-defined diagnostic criteria, these can occur scattered throughout the course of the disease or simulate different pathologies leading to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of a heart condition. The purpose of this study is to recognize the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Kawasaki disease in children admitted to five medical centers in Barranquilla from 2002 to 2008. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study based on the medical records of patients less than 14 years old hospitalized in five medical centers in the city of Barranquilla, Atlántico, (Pediatric Hospital, Hospital Niño Jesús, Clinics: Caribbean, Assumption and La Merced) and diagnosed with Kawasaki disease from February 1, 2002 to May 31, 2008. Descriptive statistical parameters and non-parametric tests (sign test) have been estimated. Results:Forty percent of the cases occurred in infants less than one year old. Sixty percent (65%) of the patients were male children from the urban area. Fever was the main reason for consulting in 65% of the cases, and 95% of the patients were classified as having the typical disease. Ultrasonographic cardiac abnormalities were documented in 30% of the instances. The test measures for determining the effectiveness of treatment were based on changes in the platelet count, the sedimentation rate, and the C-reactive protein (CRP). Conclusions:Kawasaki disease in our environment shows clinical and epidemiological features similar to those described in other latitudes. There are variations in the sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count, and CRP in those subjects who received intravenous immunoglobulin. The heart condition is common and is associated to age, delayed diagnosis, and timely treatment.

Keywords : Kawasaki syndrome; fever; clinical and epidemiological characteristics.

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