Kawasaki Disease Outside the Usual Age Range

KD in children younger than 1 year or older than 9 years was associated with an increase in coronary artery abnormalities.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is most common in children aged 1 to 4 years. Although previous studies have examined clinical characteristics and outcomes of KD in specific age groups outside the usual range, few studies have compared the disease across multiple age strata. Now, researchers at a large pediatric center in Toronto have reviewed the records of all KD patients seen at their institution from January 1980 through April 2007.

The 1374 patients were divided into five groups by age at diagnosis: <6 months (4%), 6 months to <1 year (8%), 1 to 4 years (62%), 5 to 9 years (19%), and >9 years (6%). Thus, 12% of the children were younger and 25% were older than the peak age. The risk for coronary artery abnormalities was greater in children aged <…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease