The clinical profile of kawasaki disease in algerian children: A single institution experience

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) in an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology. The epidemiological data available for Algerian patients remains insufficient. Objective: To describe the demographic, clinical features of children with KD and to identify the risk factors for developing coronary artery lesions (CAL). Methods: This retrospective study included children admitted with KD at the pediatric hospital in Algiers from January 2005 to December 2014. Results: One hundred thirty-three patients (82 boys and 51 girls) with a mean age of 31 months were identified. The most common sign was fever, rash, oral changes and conjunctivitis. The cardiac complications were CAL (22.5%), pericarditis (2%) and myocarditis (1.5%). The independent variable for prediction of CAL was duration of fever >10 days, male gender and platelet count >450 000/mm3. Conclusion: The incidence of cardiovascular complications is high. Knowledge of KD among Algerian pediatricians should be enhanced to guarantee appropriate treatment of this disease.