Clinical manifestations of Kawasaki disease in different age groups: retrospective data from Southwest China.

objectivesThe aim of the present study is to identify the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) in different age groups and to recognize and treat KD in a timely manner.

methodsA total of 213 children with KD were divided into the following age groups: (1) infants, (2) toddlers, and (3) preschool age. Retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed among the groups. Categorical data were statistically compared by Chi-square analysis, and measurement data were compared using one-way ANOVA analysis.

resultsOur study showed that (1) cough (40.5%), diarrhea (16.9%), and vomiting (8.5%) were also very common in KD patients. (2) Patients in the infant group more commonly developed cough and diarrhea, but were less frequently documented with lymphadenopathy and skin rash. (3) Elevation of platelets was more common in the infant group. When urine tests were compared among the three groups, the toddler group had a higher proportion of sterile pyuria, and infants younger than 1 year old had a lower proportion of proteinuria and positive urine ketones.

conclusionCough, diarrhea, vomiting, and sterile pyuria were very common in infant KD patients less than 1 year old. They should be noted in patients with suspected KD for earlier diagnosis and timely treatments. Key Points • Patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) in different age groups showed different clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. • Cough, diarrhea, vomiting, and sterile pyuria were very common in infant KD patients less than 1 year old. • Paying more attentions to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary manifestations or abnormalities might be helpful for earlier diagnosis of KD, especially incomplete KD, though they were not list in the diagnostic criteria.