A 25-year single-center study on Kawasaki disease in the Polish population: Insights into long-term outcomes and coronary complications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels in children under 5 years old. Despite treatment advancements, KD remains a major cause of cardiovascular complications, particularly coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study analyzes 102 KD patients treated in Pomerania during 1997-2021. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Eighty patients (78.4%) were monitored for a median of 7.1 years (IQR 2.5-12.5) to assess cardiovascular outcomes. RESULTS: The median annual number of cases was 3.0 cases (IQR 2.0-5.0), showing a gradual increase. Median age at onset was 1.8 years (IQR 1.1-3.3), with male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1. Delayed diagnosis occurred in 38.8% of cases. CAAs were detected in 46.3% of patients during the acute phase, with large CAAs in 32.4%. Long-term follow-up showed persistent coronary changes in 15% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of coronary complications may be linked to delayed diagnosis. These findings emphasize the need for early detection and treatment to prevent complications. Further research is needed to refine KD management strategies across Central and Eastern Europe.
Source: Kardiologia Polska
Institution: Gdańsk Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413109349