The association between asthma and Kawasaki disease

ABSTRACT

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and the most common cause of acquired heart disease among preschool-aged children. Asthma is one of the most common chronic illness of childhood. There is increasing interest in the potential link between inflammatory diseases and allergic diseases, and there is increasing epidemiologic evidence for an association of KD and allergic disease. In regards to asthma, 9 studies have been reported about its association with KD; 5 of them showed positive associations between these 2 diseases, while 4 of them showed no association. There are some possible underlying mechanisms for this association. The serum IgE levels are found to be increased and there is a Th2-predominant immune response in KD. These are common findings of asthma. Human leukocyte antigen-G/regT cells and SMAD3/transforming growth factor-beta might also be involved in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Asthma may increase susceptibility to KD and tends to lead to immune dysregulation. Clinician's recognition of the increased risks of KD and other asthma-related comorbidities among patients with asthma may enable early identification and intervention. The early identification and management of comorbidities may ultimately reduce the economic and social burden of these chronic conditions.