Intravenous Gamma-globulin Retreatment in Kawasaki Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the outcome and safety of intravenous gamma-globulin(IVGG) retreatment in Kawasaki disease. METHODS: A clinical observation of the therapeutic effects, laboratory findings and echocardiograms was carried out on 72 patients with Kawasaki disease in Kosin University Hospital from 1991 to 1999. 27 patients were treated with 1g/kg/day IVGG for 2 days, 45 patients were treated with 2 g/kg for 10hours. The clinical indication for retreatment was fever. Persistent fever was defined as a temperature> or =38.3degrees C persisting beyond 48hrs after the completion of the infusion. Recrudescent fever was defined as a temperature> or =38.3degrees C for 48hrs after the completion of the infusion, followed by a temperatureup. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the IVGG retreatment of Kwasaki disease may improve the clinical course and coronary artery outcome.