RESUMO
AIM: To describe the clinical and laboratory profile of Kawasaki disease in south India and compare patients with normal and abnormal cardiac status. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study. All patients admitted to Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai with Kawasaki disease between January 2002 and March 2006 were included. They were stratified into two groups: cases, who had abnormal echocardiography (ECHO), and controls, who had normal ECHO. All clinical and laboratory investigations, results of echocardiography and management were recorded and follow-up was organised. RESULTS: Of 56 patients, 36 (64.3%) were boys and 58.9% were under 3 years of age. Only 17.9% had an atypical presentation. Oral cavity changes and cervical lymphadenopathy were the most common clinical parameters and were detected in 85.7%. Thrombocytosis and elevated CRP on admission were seen in 41% and 100%, respectively. Echocardiography was abnormal in 27 (48.2%). Apart from raised CRP, which was higher in those with cardiac abnormality, the clinical and laboratory profiles were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Kawasaki disease is not uncommon in south India. The clinical and laboratory profiles were similar between those with and without cardiac echocardiographic abnormality.
