Effect of corticosteroids in addition to intravenous gamma globulin therapy on serum cytokine levels in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease in children

Assessment of sleep problems in patients with Kawasaki disease: a survey-based study

INTRODUCTION

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. It is now recognized as the most prevalent cause of acquired heart diseases in children in developed countries.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbances in patients with KD and identify their prevalence and associations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analytic survey-based study was carried out on 262 participants (130 KD patients and 132 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Participants were invited via social media groups. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics and therapeutic data of KD patients were collected. To identify the presence of sleep disturbances, all participants completed Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

RESULTS

The median age for KD patients was 6 years, and 51.5% of them were female, the median age at disease onset was 2.5 years, and the median disease duration was 3 years. The sleep scores of patients with KD were significantly higher than those of the control group (55.72 ± 11.97 vs. 49.45 ± 8.54, p < 0.001). The total duration of sleep did not exhibit any statistically significant difference between patients with KD and healthy controls (p = 0.399). KD patients exhibited significantly elevated scores in sleep onset delay, sleep duration, night wakings, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing (p < 0.001). Additionally, they showed marginally higher scores in daytime sleepiness (p = 0.059). Younger age of KD patients was associated with higher rates of bedtime resistance (p < 0.001) and sleep anxiety (p = 0.005). Younger age at KD onset was associated significantly with higher rates of bedtime resistance (p = 0.009), sleep anxiety (p = 0.038), night wakings (p = 0.017), and worse sleep quality (p = 0.033). KD Patients who exhibited lethargy, and received corticosteroid medication had significantly higher sleep scores than those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Patients with KD experience higher sleep disturbance than their healthy counterparts. Young age, early disease onset, lethargy and corticosteroid administration are linked to poor sleep quality.

Primary Adjunctive Corticosteroids in the Acute Management of High-Risk Kawasaki Disease in a North American Cohort

BACKGROUND

Primary adjunctive therapy with corticosteroids has been shown to reduce coronary artery (CA) abnormalities in high-risk Kawasaki disease (KD) patients in Japan (the randomized control trial to assess immunoglobulin plus steroid efficacy [RAISE] study). We evaluated their effect on outcomes in North American patients with high-risk KD.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective review of high-risk KD patients between 2010 and 2023. From 2017 to 2023, adjunctive corticosteroids in a modified RAISE regimen (mRAISE) were given to high-risk patients as primary adjunctive therapy with intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. We compared CA outcomes in these patients and those presenting from 2010 to 2016, when mRAISE therapy was not administered.

RESULTS

A total of 221 high-risk KD patients were treated at our institution between 2010 and 2023. Among these, 83 received the mRAISE regimen and 138 did not (no corticosteroid, n = 82, corticosteroid in a non-mRAISE regimen, n = 56). There were no significant differences in CA outcomes in the mRAISE and non-mRAISE groups. Patients receiving the mRAISE regimen were significantly less likely to receive more than one dose of IVIG when compared to those who did not receive this regimen (11% vs 33%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of adjunctive primary therapy with corticosteroids in a mRAISE regimen in high-risk KD patients resulted in significantly decreased IVIG retreatment.

The impact of glucocorticoids therapy on cutaneous wounds in Kawasaki disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most challenging diseases that is defined as an acute vasculitis that affects the coronary arteries primarily in children. It causes complications if left untreated at early stages, ultimately leading to death. Corticosteroids have been recognized to treat and cause great impact on the patients with KD. Glucocorticoid is one of the main corticosteroids that are being used to treat KD and cutaneous wounds. However, ineffectiveness of a few glucocorticoids can limit the efficacy of this treatment. This study particularly aimed to elucidate the impact of glucocorticoids on cutaneous wounds in KD. To perform the meta-analysis, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted to unveil the studies and research conducted on Kawasaki patients that revealed different glucocorticoids in the form of specific interventions influencing KD. The literature was searched using numerous keywords, screened and data was extracted to perform the meta-analysis and then it was conducted using the metabin function of R package meta. A total of 2000 patients from both intervention and control groups were employed to carry out the meta-analysis to analyse and evaluate the impact of glucocorticoids on curing KD and cutaneous wounds in patients. The results disclosed that glucocorticoids along with other steroids, mainly IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), was an effective intervention to patients suffering from Kawasaki. The results depicted significant outcomes with the values (risk ratio [RR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-2.00, p < 0.01) and enlightened the fact that adopting different glucocorticoids may significantly improve the efficacy of skin lesions along with KD. Hence, interventions of glucocorticoids must be utilized in the clinical practice to reduce the incidence of skin wounds and adverse effects caused due to KD.

Development of a biomarker signature using grating-coupled fluorescence plasmonic microarray for diagnosis of MIS-C

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition that can develop 4–6 weeks after a school age child becomes infected by SARS-CoV-2. To date, in the United States more than 8,862 cases of MIS-C have been identified and 72 deaths have occurred. This syndrome typically affects children between the ages of 5–13; 57% are Hispanic/Latino/Black/non-Hispanic, 61% of patients are males and 100% have either tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or had direct contact with someone with COVID-19. Unfortunately, diagnosis of MIS-C is difficult, and delayed diagnosis can lead to cardiogenic shock, intensive care admission, and prolonged hospitalization. There is no validated biomarker for the rapid diagnosis of MIS-C. In this study, we used Grating-coupled Fluorescence Plasmonic (GCFP) microarray technology to develop biomarker signatures in pediatric salvia and serum samples from patients with MIS-C in the United States and Colombia. GCFP measures antibody-antigen interactions at individual regions of interest (ROIs) on a gold-coated diffraction grating sensor chip in a sandwich immunoassay to generate a fluorescent signal based on analyte presence within a sample. Using a microarray printer, we designed a first-generation biosensor chip with the capability of capturing 33 different analytes from 80 μL of sample (saliva or serum). Here, we show potential biomarker signatures in both saliva and serum samples in six patient cohorts. In saliva samples, we noted occasional analyte outliers on the chip within individual samples and were able to compare those samples to 16S RNA microbiome data. These comparisons indicate differences in relative abundance of oral pathogens within those patients. Microsphere Immunoassay (MIA) of immunoglobulin isotypes was also performed on serum samples and revealed MIS-C patients had several COVID antigen-specific immunoglobulins that were significantly higher than other cohorts, thus identifying potential new targets for the second-generation biosensor chip. MIA also identified additional biomarkers for our second-generation chip, verified biomarker signatures generated on the first-generation chip, and aided in second-generation chip optimization. Interestingly, MIS-C samples from the United States had a more diverse and robust signature than the Colombian samples, which was also illustrated in the MIA cytokine data. These observations identify new MIS-C biomarkers and biomarker signatures for each of the cohorts. Ultimately, these tools may represent a potential diagnostic tool for use in the rapid identification of MIS-C.

Corticosteroids for the treatment of Kawasaki disease in children

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD), or mucocutaneous syndrome, is the leading cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in high-income countries. There is much controversy on how best to treat children with KD and in particular who may benefit from additional treatment beyond the standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, such as the addition of corticosteroids. This is an update of the review first published in 2017.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of corticosteroid use on the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities in KD as either first-line or second-line treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trials registers to 8 February 2021. We searched the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials involving children with all severities of KD who were treated with corticosteroids, including different types of corticosteroids, different durations of treatment, and where corticosteroids were used alone or in conjunction with other accepted KD treatments. We included trials using corticosteroids for both first- and second-line treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed study quality and extracted data using standard Cochrane methods. We performed fixed-effect model meta-analyses with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used a random-effects model when there was heterogeneity. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. The outcomes of interest were incidence of coronary artery abnormalities, serious adverse events, mortality, duration of acute symptoms (such as fever), time for laboratory parameters to normalise, length of hospital stay and longer-term coronary morbidity.

MAIN RESULTS

This update identified one new study, therefore the analysis included eight trials consisting of 1877 participants. Seven trials investigated the use of corticosteroids in first-line treatment and one investigated second-line treatment. The trials were all of good methodological quality. On pooled analysis, corticosteroid treatment reduced the subsequent occurrence of coronary artery abnormalities (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.75; 8 studies, 986 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), without resultant serious adverse events (0 events; 6 studies, 737 participants; moderate-certainty) and mortality (0 events; 8 studies, 1075 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). In addition, corticosteroids reduced the duration of fever (MD -1.34 days, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.45; 3 studies, 290 participants; low-certainty evidence), time for laboratory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) to normalise (MD -2.80 days, 95% CI -4.38 to -1.22; 1 study, 178 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (MD -1.01 days, 95% CI -1.72 to -0.30; 2 studies, 119 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported long-term (greater than one year after disease onset) coronary morbidity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-certainty evidence shows that use of steroids in the acute phase of KD can be associated with reduced coronary artery abnormalities, reduced inflammatory markers and shorter duration of hospital stay when compared to no corticosteroids. There were no serious adverse events or deaths reported with or without corticosteroid use. Low-certainty evidence shows use of corticosteroids can reduce duration of clinical symptoms (fever and rash). None of the included studies reported on long-term (greater than one year after disease onset) coronary morbidity. Evidence presented in this systematic review agrees with current clinical guidelines on the use of corticosteroids in the first-line treatment in KD.

Efficacy of Glucocorticoid plus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Children with Immunoglobulin-Insensitive Kawasaki Disease

This study mainly analyzes the clinical effect of glucocorticoid (GC) plus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating children with immunoglobulin (Ig)-insensitive Kawasaki disease (KD). From September 2013 to November 2021, 86 Ig-insensitive KD children were selected, including 46 children (observation group, Obs) treated with GC plus IVIG, and 40 children (control group, Con) treated with IVIG. The symptom (fever and fever) resolution time, inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein, CRP; procalcitonin, PCT; interleukin-6, IL-6), immune indicators (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+), and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the groups. The results identified shorter fever and rash resolution time in Obs compared with Con. The posttreatment CRP, PCT, IL-6, and CD8+ and the incidence of adverse events reduced notably in Obs and were lower than Con, while CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ elevated statistically and were higher than that of Con. Our results indicate that GC plus IVIG can significantly promote symptom resolution, alleviate inflammatory response, and improve immune function in children with Ig-insensitivity KD, with favorable safety and clinical promotion value.

Effects of immunoglobulin plus prednisolone in reducing coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease: study protocol for a phase III multicenter, open-label, blinded-endpoints randomized controlled trial

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unclear etiology that mainly affects infants and young children. Strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of coronary artery lesions (CALs), the determinant factor in the long-term prognosis of KD, are currently a focus of studies on KD. Corticosteroids, preferred in the treatment of the majority of vasculitides, are controversial in the treatment of acute KD. In this trial, we will evaluate whether the addition of prednisolone to standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus aspirin therapy can reduce the occurrence of CAL in Chinese patients with KD.

Methods

This is a multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial, which is expected to be conducted in more than 20 hospitals in China and aims to assess the efficacy and safety of IVIG + prednisolone treatment versus standard treatment. Patients with KD who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited and randomized (1:1) to receive either a large dose of IVIG (2 g/kg over 12–24 h with a maximum dose of 60 g) + aspirin 30 mg/kg/d or IVIG (2 g/kg over 12–24 h) + aspirin 30 mg/kg/d + prednisolone (2 mg/kg/d with a maximum dose of 60 mg tapered over 15 days after normalization of C-reactive protein concentration). The primary outcome will be the occurrence of CAL at 1 month of illness. The follow-up duration for each participant will be set as 1 year. Patients and treating physicians will be unmasked to group allocation.

Discussion

This will be the first multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG + aspirin + prednisolone in Chinese pediatric patients with KD, which may provide high-level evidence for improving the initial treatment for acute KD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04078568. Registered on 16 August 2018.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05807-3.

Verification of "Japanese Scoring Systems" to Predict IVIG Resistance and Identification of Predictors for IVIG Resistance in Thai Children with Kawasaki Disease

The objective of this study was to assess the validity of using the Kobayashi, Sano and Egami scoring systems to predict the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance of Kawasaki disease (KD) and to identify the predictors of IVIG resistance in our Thai population. A retrospective study involving 130 KD patients who were admitted between January 2005 and April 2018 was performed. We found that 17 (13%) KD patients did not respond to the first IVIG dose. The three scoring systems have good specificity (80.8%, 74% and 92.1%, respectively) but low sensitivity (0%, 33.3% and 22.2%, respectively). Multivariate analysis suggested that a body temperature greater than 40.2 °C (odds ratio of 3.80, P value = 0.03), a neutrophil percentage greater than 74% (odds ratio of 3.82, P value = 0.03) and serum albumin less than 3 g/L (odds ratio of 5.09, P value = 0.01) were predictors of IVIG resistance. Our study cannot conclude that the three Japanese scoring systems are not suitable for predicting IVIG resistance in the Thai population due to study limitations. However, a high-grade fever (≥ 40.2 °C), neutrophil predominance ≥ 74% and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level < 3 g/L) were predictors of IVIG resistance in Thai KD patients.

Unexpected Positive Effects of Rituximab and Corticosteroids on COVID-19 in a Patient Suffering from Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns among physicians and patients with autoimmune disorders about how this viral infection affects the patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. There are speculations about a higher incidence and severity of COVID-19 in patients receiving a variety of immunosuppressant drugs. However, we reported the rapid recovery from COVID-19 in a 67-year-old male with granulomatosis with polyangiitis who did not experience severe symptoms of the COVID-19 as expected, despite having a history of serious lung involvement due to the autoimmune disease. He received conventional medications to treat COVID-19, though he had been receiving rituximab and corticosteroids before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Prevention of the cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to taking the immunosuppressive drugs (rituximab and corticosteroids) could be a reason for these unexpected observations. Therefore, this case showed that taking immunosuppressive drugs is unlikely to be directly related to the increased severity of COVID-19.

Kawasaki Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Benefits and Harms of Common Treatments

Objective

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self‐limited vasculitis affecting medium‐sized vessels with a predilection for the coronary arteries. Although treatment reduces the likelihood of developing of coronary artery aneurysms, 5% of patients still develop aneurysms despite treatment, making KD the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. Consequently, there is a great deal of interest in optimizing treatment regimens, particularly for higher‐risk patients, to decrease morbidity. The aim of this systematic review is to support the development of the American College of Rheumatology/Vasculitis Foundation for the diagnosis and management of KD, focusing on the more complex scenarios in which rheumatologists may become involved, such as high‐risk and refractory disease.

Methods

Eighty‐nine articles were considered for full review in this systematic literature review to address 16 Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions related to KD. Data were abstracted in hierarchical fashion. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were considered first; if none were identified or if they contained insufficient information, comparative observational studies were then viewed, followed by single‐arm observational studies/single arms from comparative studies. Only observational studies with more than 10 subjects with vasculitis were included.

Results

Eight RCTs and 28 observational studies that addressed the questions were identified. Two questions were addressed by RCTs, seven questions had at least some comparative observational studies, three questions were only addressed by single‐arm data, and four questions had no relevant studies.

Conclusion

This systematic review evaluates the benefits and harms of treatments for KD beyond first‐line therapy.

Decreased hemoglobin after initial treatment is associated with treatment resistance in Kawasaki disease in Kobayashi risk stratification

BACKGROUND

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) is known to cause anemia, the relationship between its prognosis and hemoglobin level is less well known.

METHODS

We herein performed a secondary analysis of data from a previous study (Post-RAISE). Children aged 6 months to 2 years at the time of KD diagnosis were enrolled. Decreased hemoglobin was defined as a decrease > 10% on post-treatment day 2 compared with the level prior to the initial therapy.

RESULTS

Of 1253 KD cases, treatment resistance was observed in 209 (17%) and was significantly more frequent in the decreased hemoglobin group (37/167 vs. 172/1086, P = 0.041). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased hemoglobin was associated with resistance to the initial treatment (odds ratio 1.53; 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.33; P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased hemoglobin was significantly associated with resistance to initial treatment in patients with KD.

Macrophage activation syndrome in children with Kawasaki disease: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare, life-threatening complication of Kawasaki disease (KD). Early recognition and treatment of MAS are very important, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish MAS from a severe form of KD.

DATA SOURCES

A PubMed search was performed in Clinical Queries using the key terms "macrophage activation syndrome or secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)" and "Kawasaki disease".

RESULTS

KD patients with MAS show high intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary complications. Mortality is also as high as MAS in other diseases. Persistent fever greater than 10 days is highly associated with development of MAS in KD. Splenomegaly is observed in more than two-thirds of KD patients with MAS. Thrombocytopenia is often the earliest laboratory finding of MAS. Hyperferritinemia is highly specific and sensitive for detecting MAS in KD; so, ferritin levels should be checked if there are unexplained clinical exacerbations in KD patients. Given the under-recognition of MAS in KD, it is prudent to consider resistant KD as occult/subclinical MAS. Many KD patients with MAS have good outcomes on immune modulators. However, if KD patients fulfill the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria, they may undergo longer and more intensive treatment than needed.

CONCLUSIONS

The possible existence of MAS should be taken into account when a KD patient shows persistent fever, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, hyperferritinemia, or IVIG resistance. The under-diagnosis of MAS in patients with KD is an important issue to be addressed. Therapeutically, however, there is a possibility of over-treatment of MAS in patients with KD.

Phase II Open Label Study of Anakinra in Intravenous Immunoglobulin-Resistant Kawasaki Disease

OBJECTIVE

Anakinra has been shown to be successful in preventing and treating cardiovascular lesions both in experimental murine models of Kawasaki disease (KD) and in several studies on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)- and steroid-resistant patients with KD. This study was undertaken to determine the safety of blocking interleukin-1 in patients with IVIG-resistant KD.

METHODS

Sixteen patients were included in the present study. Patients with KD who were not responsive to 1 or more courses of 2 mg/kg of IVIG received anakinra by subcutaneous daily injections. Starting doses were 2 mg/kg of IVIG (4 mg/kg in patients who were age <8 months and who weighed ≥5 kilograms), and the dose was increased up to 6 mg/kg every 24 hours if the patient's body temperature remained >38°C, indicative of a fever. Treatment duration was 14 days. The last visit was on day 45. Primary outcome was abatement of fever. Secondary measures included disease activity, coronary artery Z score, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

RESULTS

Seventy-five percent of patients in the intention-to-treat group and 87.5% in the per-protocol group became afebrile within 48 hours of the last escalation dose of anakinra. Reduction of disease activity by 50% was indicated on 93.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 68.1-99.8%) of physician evaluations and on 100% (95% CI 73.5-100%) of parent evaluations. CRP values normalized by day 30. At the initial screening, 12 of 16 patients had a maximum coronary artery Z score of >2, and 10 of 16 patients had a maximum Z score of >2.5. At day 45, 5 of 10 patients (50% [95% CI 18.7-81.3%]) and 6 of 12 patients (50% [95% CI 21.1-78.9%]) had achieved coronary artery Z scores of <2.5 and <2, respectively. Five serious adverse events were observed in 3 patients, but no serious infections or deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

Anakinra was well tolerated in the study patients and may have some efficacy in reducing fever, markers of systemic inflammation, and coronary artery dilatation in individuals with IVIG-refractory KD.

Decreased Steroid Hormone Receptor NR4A2 Expression in Kawasaki Disease Before IVIG Treatment

Kawasaki disease (KD) is anacute febrile coronary vasculitis disease in children. In general, this disease can be treated with a single dose of 2 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). However, the best timing for administering steroid treatment in acute-stage KD is still under debate. In this study, we recruited 174 participants to survey the transcript levels of steroid hormone receptors in KD patients. The chip studies consisted of 18 KD patients that were analyzed before IVIG treatment and at least 3 weeks after IVIG administration, as well as 36 control subjects, using GeneChip® HTA 2.0. Another cohort consisting of 120 subjects was analyzed to validate qRT-PCR. Our microarray study demonstrated significant downregulated expressions of the mRNA levels of NR1A2, RORA, NR4A1-3, THRA, and PPARD in KD patients in comparision to the controls. However, these genes increased considerably in KD patients after IVIG administration. After PCR validation, our data only revealed decreased NR4A2 mRNA expression in the KD patients compared to those of the controls, which increased after they received IVIG treatment. Our study is the first to report the potential effective utilization of steroid treatment in KD. Prior to IVIG treatment, decreased steroid receptors allowed for the reduced treatment role of steroids. However, after IVIG treatment, increased steroid receptors indicate that steroids are effective as a supplementary treatment for KD.

Tratamiento farmacológico de la enfermedad de Kawasaki

Introducción. La enfermedad de Kawasaki corresponde a una vasculitis sistémica de origen desconocido y su principal complicación es la formación de aneurismas coronarios.Objetivo. Realizar una revisión actualizada de la literatura acerca del tratamiento farmacológico de la enfermedad de Kawasaki.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda estructurada de la literatura en las bases de datos ProQuest, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Trip Database, SciELO y Cochrane Library con los términos “Kawasaki disease AND therapeutics”, “Kawasaki disease AND treatment” y “Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome AND therapeutics”, en inglés y con sus equivalentes en español.Resultados. Se encontraron 51 artículos con información relevante para el desarrollo de la presente revisión.Conclusiones. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento oportuno de la enfermedad de Kawasaki son fundamentales para la prevención de las complicaciones coronarias. El tratamiento incluye la terapia combinada de ácido acetilsalicílico más inmunoglobulina G, la cual reduce la incidencia de aneurismas coronarios. Por su parte, las terapias con corticosteroides y otros fármacos inmunosupresores son alternativas utilizadas en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Kawasaki resistente a inmunoglobulina.

Dynamic evaluation of hemostasis in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease using comprehensive coagulation functional assays

INTRODUCTION

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis involving coronary arteries, sometimes resulting in aneurysms and myocardial infarction. Hyper-coagulability in the acute-phase of KD is indicated in some circumstances based on changes of individual clotting factors. Comprehensive coagulation assays, clot waveform analysis (CWA) and thrombin/plasmin generation assay (T/P-GA), have been developed to assess physiological hemostasis, but these techniques have not been applied in KD.

METHODS

We utilized both assays to analyze coagulation function in KD children (n = 42) prior to intravenous-immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment (Pre), 1-week (1W) and 1-month (1M) post-IVIG.

RESULTS

In CWA, the clot time (CT) pre-treatment was prolonged, and was significantly shortened at 1W and 1M. However, the maximum coagulation velocity (|min1|) and acceleration (|min2|) were ~2-fold greater relative to controls, indicating an overall hypercoagulable tendency. These parameters were related to fibrinogen concentration, and were decreased at 1W and declined to normal at 1M. In T/P-GA, the endogenous potentials of thrombin and plasmin were greater relative to control at each of three time-points, and measurements at 1W were greater than those Pre-treatment. The ratios of TG and PG relative to control were similar, however, suggesting well-balanced dynamic coagulation and fibrinolysis. In non-responders to IVIG, the |min1| and |min2| measurements were greater than those in responders at 1W and 1M, suggesting that non-responders remained hypercoagulable after primary treatment.

CONCLUSION

The coagulation data observed in KD were consistent with hypercoagulability, although fibrinolytic function appeared to be well-balanced. Comprehensive assays of this nature could provide valuable information on coagulation potential in KD.

The prevention of coronary arterial abnormalities in Kawasaki disease: A meta-analysis of the corticosteroid effectiveness

OBJECTIVE

The use of corticosteroid in Kawasaki disease (KD) remains controversial among current guidelines. The objective of this study is to summarize the effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid to prevent coronary arterial lesions in Kawasaki disease, both as initial and rescue therapy.

METHODS

The Medline, EMBASE, Google scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Japanese Institutional Repositories Online were searched for studies up to 31 March 2017. Studies that compared incidence of coronary artery lesions between regimens with corticosteroid and regimen without it in a well-defined controlled group were included. The incidence of coronary artery lesion was analyzed by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies published between 1999 and 2016 fulfilled eligibility criteria. There were 3591 patients included for analysis. There was a significant reduction in incidence of coronary artery lesions with usage of corticosteroid with a pooled odds ratio of 0.72 (95% CI 0.57-0.92; p = 0.01) than that without usage of corticosteroid. In general, a greater effect was seen in the patient received corticosteroid as initial and adjuvant therapy with intravenous immune globulin (pooled odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.73, p = 0.007) than those who received corticosteroid as rescue therapy. The risk reduction was statistically significant in Japanese groups (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.75 in fixed effects model) but not significant in non-Japanese groups (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.91-2.30 in fixed effects model).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated an overall reduction in incidence of coronary artery lesions with the use of corticosteroid as initial and adjuvant treatment for Kawasaki disease.

A Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Kawasaki Disease: Concurrent or Overlapping Diagnoses?

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is not always suspected at the time of presentation. It is often mistaken for other diagnoses; complicated by the fact that it is often associated with an inciting event that has significant overlap. Kawasaki disease, along with other disorders, such as Ebstein Barr Virus infection, are conditions that may lead HLH. Our patient had a presentation that was consistent with Kawasaki disease on initial presentation, however subsequently met the diagnostic criteria of HLH. It provided an interesting discussion about diagnoses with clinical criteria and how the overlap can sometimes delay or complicate initial diagnosis.

Role of glucocorticoids in Kawasaki disease

Although treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) with aspirin is the standard of care for children with Kawasaki disease (KD), 15-20% of patients fail to respond and experience persistent or recurrent fever after completion of IVIg administration. These IVIg non-responders are at high risk for coronary artery lesions (CAL), and may need alternative or supplemental therapy. Based on retrospective studies (albeit with low evidence levels), glucocorticoid therapy was hitherto thought to worsen CAL. However, subsequent prospective studies have shown that prednisolone or IV methylprednisolone pulse as the initial or rescue therapy is effective in reducing CAL. A clinical trial known as the Randomized controlled trial to Assess Immunoglobulin plus Steroid Efficacy for KD (RAISE) Study, demonstrated the efficacy of prednisolone with initial IVIg, especially in predicted IVIg non-responders. Several meta-analyses have also supported the use of glucocorticoids for patients with severe forms of KD. Glucocorticoids can be considered as pre-emptive therapy for children with severe KD and as rescue therapy for initial non-responders. However, routine use of glucocorticoids in KD remains a contentious issue and would need further study.

Aneurysmal coronary artery disease: An overview

Aneurysmal coronary artery disease (ACAD) comprises both coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) and coronary artery ectasia (CAE). The reported prevalence of ACAD varies widely from 0.2 to 10%, with male predominance and a predilection for the right coronary artery (RCA). Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of ACAD in adults, while Kawasaki disease is the commonest cause in children and adolescents, as well as in the Far East. Most patients are asymptomatic, but when symptoms do exist, they are usually related to myocardial ischemia. Coronary angiography is the mainstay of diagnosis, but follow up is best achieved using noninvasive imaging that does not involve exposure to radiation. The optimal management strategy in patients with ACAD remains controversial. Medical therapy is indicated for the vast majority of patients and includes antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants. Covered stents effectively limit further expansion of the affected coronary segments. Surgical ligation, resection, and coronary artery bypass grafting are appropriate for large lesions and for associated obstructive coronary artery disease.

Role of the Egami Score in Predicting Intravenous Immunoglobulin Resistance in Kawasaki Disease Among Different Ethnicities

Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is necessary to help reduce the risk of coronary artery abnormalities, such as coronary artery aneurysms and to help alleviate symptoms, in Kawasaki disease. Some patients, however, do not respond to an initial dose of IVIG and require additional doses. Prediction of these IVIG nonresponders may be of assistance in altering initial therapy to make it more effective. The Egami score has been validated in the Japanese population to predict IVIG nonresponders but has shown to be ineffective in US populations. This study evaluates the Egami score in a Midwest US population, subdividing patients by race and the diagnosis of typical or atypical type of Kawasaki disease. Patients were included in the study if they met criteria for Kawasaki disease and received IVIG in the inpatient setting. A total of 182 patients were studied, and in all studied groups, the Egami score had poor sensitivity at predicting IVIG nonresponders. Sensitivity of the score differed between races and differed between typical and atypical Kawasaki disease. The Egami score, as well as other systems, have been validated to predict IVIG nonresponders. These, however, lack sensitivity in the US population. Other scores developed in the United States have also lacked sensitivity, likely due to the absence of race or Kawasaki disease classification as variables. The development of a sensitive scoring system to predict IVIG nonresponders in US populations will require the incorporation of race and Kawasaki disease classification, factors that seem to alter IVIG response.

Corticosteroids for the treatment of Kawasaki disease in children

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD), or mucocutaneous syndrome, is the leading cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in the developed world. There is much controversy on how best to treat children with KD and in particular who may benefit from additional treatment beyond the standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, such as the addition of corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of corticosteroid use on the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities in KD as either first-line or second-line treatment. Corticosteroids may be given alone or in conjunction with other accepted KD treatments. Secondary objectives include the effect of steroids on mortality, the time taken for laboratory parameters to normalise, the duration of acute symptoms (such as fever), the long-term impact of steroid use and evaluating their safety in KD and their efficacy in relevant population subgroups.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched Cochrane Vascular's Specialised Register (25 November 2016) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 10) in the Cochrane Library (searched 25 November 2016). Trial registries were also searched for details of ongoing or unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised trials involving children with all severities of KD who were treated with corticosteroids, including different types of corticosteroid and different durations of treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

MJS and GMC independently selected studies, assessed evidence quality and extracted data. This process was overseen by AJW.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven trials consisting of 922 participants were included in this analysis. Trials ranged from 32 to 242 participants. On pooled analysis, corticosteroids reduced the subsequent occurrence of coronary artery abnormalities (odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.46; 907 participants; 7 studies; I² = 55%) without resultant serious adverse events (no events, 737 participants) and mortality (no events, 915 participants). In addition, corticosteroids reduced the duration of fever (mean difference (MD) -1.65 days, 95% CI -3.31 to 0.00; 210 participants; 2 studies; I² = 88%), time for laboratory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)) to normalise (MD -2.80 days, 95% CI -4.38 to -1.22; 178 participants; 1 study) and length of hospital stay (MD -1.41 days, 95% CI -2.36 to -0.46; 39 participants; 1 study). No studies detailed outcomes beyond 24 weeks. Subgroup analysis showed some potential groups that may benefit more than others; however, further randomised controlled trials are required before this can be the basis for clinical action.Evidence quality was graded according to the GRADE system. Evidence was considered high quality for the incidence of serious adverse events, mortality and time for laboratory parameters to normalise. Evidence was considered moderate for the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities due to potential inconsistencies in data geography and patient benefits according to grouping. Evidence was moderate for duration of clinical symptoms (fever, rash) due to potential subjectivity in measurement. Evidence was moderate for length of hospital stay as only one study recorded this outcome. This means that we are reasonably confident that the true effect is close to that estimated in this work.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-quality evidence shows that use of steroids in the acute phase of KD can be associated with improved coronary artery abnormalities, shorter duration of hospital stay and a decreased duration of clinical symptoms. High-quality evidence shows reduced inflammatory marker levels. There were insufficient data available regarding incidence of adverse effects attributable to steroids, mortality and long-term (> 1 year) coronary morbidity. Certain groups, including those based in Asia, those with higher risk scores, and those receiving longer steroid treatment may have greater benefit from steroid use, especially with decreasing rates of heart problems, but more tests are needed to answer these questions. Evidence presented in this study suggests that treatment with a long course of steroids should be considered for all children diagnosed with KD until further studies are performed.

Effects of oxygenated or hydrogenated water on growth performance, blood parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of providing oxygenated and hydrogenated water on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens. In our investigation, 144 Ross × Ross broiler chicks were randomly allotted to three different treatment groups with four replicates (treatment × replicate × bird = 3 × 4 × 12). All chicks were given one of the following types of water for five weeks: tap water (CON), hydrogenated water (HNW), and oxygenated water (ONW). ONW supplementation increased the final body weight and weight gain and also improved both feed intake and feed conversion of broiler chickens as compared to those of CON broiler chickens (P < 0.05). The abdominal fat and its ratio to the final body weight showed that fat accumulation in the broiler chicken abdomen was reduced when broiler chickens drank only ONW for five weeks (P < 0.05). ONW supplementation improved blood parameters, including triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Additionally, in accordance with a globulin increase in broiler chickens, both IgG and IgM generation were significantly enhanced when ONW was supplied to broiler chickens (P < 0.05) but only a numerical advance was observed in the HNW group (P > 0.05). Both oxygenated and hydrogenated water supplementation significantly improved the antioxidant effects (P < 0.05), and it seems that superoxide dismutase refinement was completed due to oxygen and/or hydrogen enhancement of drinking water. These results indicate that oxygen enhancement of drinking water may be recommended to improve growth performance by increasing immunoglobulins mainly IgG and IgM.

Recent Advances in Kawasaki Disease - Proceedings of the 3rd Kawasaki Disease Summit, Chandigarh, 2014

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in Japan, North America and Europe. It is now being increasingly recognized from the developing countries as well. If not diagnosed and treated in time, KD can result in coronary artery abnormalities in approximately 15-25% cases. The long-term consequences of these abnormalities may manifest in adults as myocardial ischemia and congestive heart failure. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) remains the drug of choice for treatment of KD, but several new agents like infliximab, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids and statins are now being increasingly used in these patients. While echocardiography has been the preferred imaging modality hitherto, CT coronary angiography has emerged as an exciting new supplementary option and provides an entirely new dimension to this disease. The incidence of KD has shown a progressive increase in several countries and it is likely that this disease would impact public health programmes in the near future even in the developing countries.

Vaccines and Kawasaki disease

The distinctive immune system characteristics of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) could suggest that they respond in a particular way to all antigenic stimulations, including those due to vaccines. Moreover, treatment of KD is mainly based on immunomodulatory therapy. These factors suggest that vaccines and KD may interact in several ways. These interactions could be of clinical relevance because KD is a disease of younger children who receive most of the vaccines recommended for infectious disease prevention. This paper shows that available evidence does not support an association between KD development and vaccine administration. Moreover, it highlights that administration of routine vaccines is mandatory even in children with KD and all efforts must be made to ensure the highest degree of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases for these patients. However, studies are needed to clarify currently unsolved issues, especially issues related to immunologic interference induced by intravenous immunoglobulin and biological drugs.

Circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates play a significant role in Kawasaki disease

BACKGROUND

Circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates play a crucial role in amplifying acute inflammation and could promote adverse effects involving vascular injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of platelet-neutrophil aggregates in Kawasaki disease (KD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty patients with KD (30 intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] responders and 10 IVIG non-responders), 7 febrile patients with bacterial infections, and 9 normal volunteers were analyzed. Thirty-three patients with KD were treated with IVIG, and 7 were treated with IVIG plus prednisolone. We evaluated the rate of platelet-neutrophil aggregates and measured the platelet factor 4 (PF4) and β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) levels. The rate of platelet-neutrophil aggregates was significantly higher in patients with KD than those with bacterial infection and normal volunteers. The rate of platelet-neutrophil aggregates was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) than in those without CAA, and was correlated with PF4 and β-TG levels in patients with KD. Comparing time-course analysis, the rate of platelet-neutrophil aggregates was significantly decreased in patients treated with IVIG plus prednisolone than in those treated with IVIG alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate that platelet-neutrophil aggregates are significantly present in higher rates and are closely related to pathological developments of CAA in KD. Additional prednisolone treatment for patients in the acute phase of KD could suppress platelet-neutrophil aggregates, indicating that platelet-neutrophil aggregates would inhibit amplified reciprocal vascular inflammatory activation.

Clinical outcomes of initial dexamethasone treatment combined with a single high dose of intravenous immunoglobulin for primary treatment of Kawasaki disease

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical effects of a single high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) combined with initial dexamethasone as a primary treatment on Kawasaki disease (KD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2010, we reviewed the medical records of 216 patients with complete KD patients that were admitted to a single medical center. 106 patients were treated with a single high dose of IVIG (2 g/kg) alone and 110 patients received IVIG and dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg per day for three days).

RESULTS

The combined IVIG plus dexamethasone patient group had a significantly shorter febrile period and duration of hospital stay (1.4±0.7 days vs. 2.0±1.2 days, p<0.001; 5.8±1.7 days vs. 6.9±2.5 days, p<0.001, respectively) than the IVIG alone group. The combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group required IVIG retreatment significantly less than the IVIG only group (12.7% vs. 32%, p=0.003). After completion of the initial IVIG, C-reactive protein levels in the combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group were significantly lower than those in the IVIG only group (2.7±4.0 mg/dL vs. 4.6±8.7 mg/dL, p=0.03). In the combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group, the incidence of coronary artery lesions tended to be lower without worse outcomes at admission after initial infusion of IVIG and in follow-up at two months; however, the differences were not significant (8.2% vs. 11.3%, p=0.22; 0.9% vs. 2.8%, p=0.29).

CONCLUSION

Initial combined therapy with dexamethasone and a single high-dose of IVIG resulted in an improved clinical course, in particular a shorter febrile period, less IVIG retreatment, and shorter hospital stay without worse coronary outcomes.

Developments in large and midsize vasculitis

Childhood vasculitis is a complex and fascinating area in pediatric rheumatology that has experienced an unprecedented surge in research, leading to new knowledge over the past several years. Vasculitis is defined as the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration in blood vessel walls, usually with multisystemic involvement. The most frequent forms of vasculitis in childhood are the small-size vasculitides, of which Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura and other leucocytoclastic vasculitis are the best examples, followed by Kawasaki disease, a midsize vasculitis, and Takayasu arteritis, a large-size vasculitis, both of which are topics in this article.

Primary treatment of kawasaki disease with corticosteroids

Kawasaki disease (KD), is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the developed world. The use of aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin as the initial therapy in KD is the standard of care, as they reduce the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms, the major cardiac morbidity from this disease. The place of corticosteroids in the initial therapy is; however, controversial. We describe the course of a one-year-old child with Kawasaki disease who was treated with aspirin and corticosteroids as the initial therapy, and discuss pertinent issues.

Infliximab for intensification of primary therapy for Kawasaki disease: a phase 3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease, the most common cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries, is a self-limited vasculitis that is treated with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin. Resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin in Kawasaki disease increases the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. We assessed whether the addition of infliximab to standard therapy (intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin) in acute Kawasaki disease reduces the rate of treatment resistance.

METHODS

We undertook a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in two children's hospitals in the USA to assess the addition of infliximab (5 mg per kg) to standard therapy. Eligible participants were children aged 4 weeks-17 years who had a fever (temperature ≥38·0°C) for 3-10 days and met American Heart Association criteria for Kawasaki disease. Participants were randomly allocated in 1:1 ratio to two treatment groups: infliximab 5 mg/kg at 1 mg/mL intravenously over 2 h or placebo (normal saline 5 mL/kg, administered intravenously). Randomisation was based on a randomly permuted block design (block sizes 2 and 4), stratified by age, sex, and centre. Patients, treating physicians and staff, study team members, and echocardiographers were all masked to treament assignment. The primary outcome was the difference between the groups in treatment resistance defined as a temperature of 38·0°C or higher at 36 h to 7 days after completion of the infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00760435.

FINDINGS

196 patients were enrolled and randomised: 98 to the infliximab group and 98 to placebo. One patient in the placebo group was withdrawn from the study because of hypotension before receiving treatment. Treatment resistance rate did not differ significantly (11 [11·2%] for infliximab and 11 [11·3%] for placebo; p=0·81). Compared with the placebo group, participants given infliximab had fewer days of fever (median 1 day for infliximab vs 2 days for placebo; p<0·0001). At week 2, infliximab-treated patients had greater mean reductions in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0·009) and a two-fold greater decrease in Z score of the left anterior descending artery (p=0·045) than did those in the placebo group, but this difference was not significant at week 5. Participants in the infliximab group had a greater mean reduction in C-reactive protein concentration (p=0·0003) and in absolute neutrophil count (p=0·024) at 24 h after treatment than did those given placebo, but by week 2 this difference was not significant. At week 5, none of the laboratory values differed significantly compared with baseline. No significant differences were recorded between the two groups at any timepoint in proximal right coronary artery Z scores, age-adjusted haemoglobin values, duration of hospital stay, or any other laboratory markers of inflammation measured. No reactions to intravenous immunoglobulin infusion occurred in patients treated with infliximab compared with 13 (13·4%) patients given placebo (p<0·0001). No serious adverse events were directly attributable to infliximab infusion.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of infliximab to primary treatment in acute Kawasaki disease did not reduce treatment resistance. However, it was safe and well tolerated and reduced fever duration, some markers of inflammation, left anterior descending coronary artery Z score, and intravenous immunoglobulin reaction rates.

FUNDING

US Food and Drug Administration, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Janssen Biotech.

Association of promoter genetic variants in interleukin-10 and Kawasaki disease with coronary artery aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis in infants and young children. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent cytokine that exerts pleiotropic effects on immunoregulation and inflammation. Elevated IL-10 serum levels have been reported in the KD patients.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated whether IL-10 genetic polymorphisms contribute to coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) development among KD patients in Taiwan. A total of 58 KD patients with CAA and 277 unrelated healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled for this study.

RESULTS

Higher G allele frequencies of IL-10 at -1082 position were observed in KD patients with CAA compared to the controls (P = 0.016, OR: 2.86, 95% CI, 1.17-6.98). In addition, higher IL-10 GCC haplotype frequencies were also observed in KD patients with CAA (P = 0.016, OR: 2.85, 95% CI, 1.17-6.98).

CONCLUSION

Our data support the possibility that IL-10 gene polymorphisms may be related with CAA development of KD in Taiwanese population.

[Anesthesia for coronary revascularization in patients with Kawasaki disease: case report]

Kawasaki disease is a self-limited vasculitis that occurs predominantly in infants and young children, that is characterized by coronary artery lesions (especially aneurysms). It is one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children. The etiology of Kawasaki disease still remains unknown. A hypothesis is that an infectious agent produces clinically apparent disease only in certain genetically predisposed individuals. It also is possible that the disease results from an immunologic response and is triggered by different microbial agents. For unknown reason it dominates in Asians. Treatment is directed to prevent coronary thrombosis and reduce inflammation; it is based on high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and acetyl salicylic acid, which significantly reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms from 25 to 4%. In order to reduce myocardial ischemia, percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary artery bypass graft can be used. There is a lot of information about surgical techniques for coronary artery complications linked to Kawasaki disease, but minimal information about anesthetic techniques; for this reason, we describe the anesthetic management of a patient who required coronary artery bypass graft, and we present a literature review on the topic.

Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin combined with prednisolone following resistance to initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of acute Kawasaki disease

OBJECTIVES

To determine the most effective first-line rescue therapy for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) nonresponders, using IVIG, prednisolone, or both, to prevent coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs).

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 359 consecutive patients with Kawasaki disease who failed to respond to initial IVIG.

RESULTS

CAAs up to 1 month after treatment were less common in the IVIG+prednisolone group (15.9%) than in the IVIG group (28.7%, P = .005) and the prednisolone group (30.6%, P = .01). The IVIG+prednisolone group had significantly lower risks of failing to respond to first-line rescue therapy (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.31), CAAs up to 1 month (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.90), and CAAs at 1 month (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.91) than the IVIG group. In the prednisolone and IVIG+prednisolone groups, risk score, day of illness at first-line rescue therapy, prednisolone monotherapy, and resistance to first-line rescue therapy were independent risk factors for CAA. Sex and resistance to first-line rescue therapy were independent risk factors in the IVIG group.

CONCLUSIONS

IVIG+prednisolone may be superior to IVIG or prednisolone as first-line rescue therapy in the treatment of IVIG nonresponders. To establish the efficacy of rescue therapy with IVIG+prednisolone following nonresponse to initial IVIG, a prospective randomized trial is warranted.

Phagocyte dysfunction in polymyalgia rheumatica and other age-related, chronic, inflammatory conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate phagocyte function in patients with age-related chronic inflammatory conditions. It included 95 patients with PMR, 17 with GCA, 40 with EORA, and 25 age-matched HCs. Serum IL-8 was determined with a bead array. The chemotactic capacity, phagocytic ability, and oxidative burst activity of circulating leukocytes were determined with flow cytometry kits. Patients with active chronic inflammatory diseases showed a significant increase in circulating levels of IL-8 that remained elevated in patients with PMR or EORA, despite treatment. No correlation was found between circulating IL-8 and the migratory capacity of neutrophils. Neutrophils from patients with active EORA without stimulus and after fMLP stimuli showed a higher capacity to migrate than those of the HCs (P=0.033). The phagocytic activity of granulocytes in the patients with GCA was significantly higher than in the HCs and the patients with PMR or EORA (P<0.05). The percentage and MFI of phagocytes that produce ROIs when stimulated with Escherichia coli was significantly reduced in neutrophils and monocytes from the patients with age-restricted inflammatory conditions. We concluded that the effector functions of phagocytes, determined to be chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst, are deregulated in age-restricted inflammatory disorders and may have a pathogenic role.

Management of acute and refractory Kawasaki disease

Acute Kawasaki disease (KD) is treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is proven to decrease the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms from 25% to less than 5%. Aspirin is also given, although the evidence base is less secure. There is increasing evidence for steroid therapy as adjunctive primary therapy with IVIG, especially in Asian children. Approximately 10-30% of patients fail to respond to the initial IVIG and are at increased risk of coronary artery aneurysms. The optimal treatment for IVIG-nonresponsive KD remains controversial. Management options include further dose(s) of IVIG, corticosteroids, TNF-α blockade, cyclosporin A, anti-IL-1 and anti-CD20 therapy. In this article, the authors review the current evidence for treatment of acute KD and discuss options for IVIG nonresponders.

Steroid pulse therapy for children with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy-resistant Kawasaki disease: a prospective study

Patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) who did not respond to the initial IVIG are known to have higher risk for developing coronary arterial lesions (CALs). Our aim is to clarify whether patients with initial IVIG resistant KD may benefit from methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) in comparison with re- treatment of IVIG (2nd IVIG). A total of 237 patients (median age: 2 years 2 months; range 1 months-10 years) with KD were initially treated with IVIG (2 g/kg). Among them, 41 patients (22 %) were assessed as IVIG resistance: these patients were allocated to either group A receiving MPT (n = 14) or group B receiving the 2nd IVIG (n = 27). Patients with resistant to the additional therapy (MPT or 2nd IVIG) were received second IVIG (group A) or MPT (group B). Changes in leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and albumin before and after an additional therapy were significantly greater in group A than those in group B. However, the prevalence of CALs did not differ between the groups (36 % in group A and 26 % in group B, p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the medical cost between the groups (median cost: 92,032 JPY in group A and 97,331 JPY in group B). MPT does not reduce the risk of development to CAL and does not seem to be beneficial as single agent therapy for IVIG resistant KD.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) inhibits vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and interleukin-8 production in human coronary arterial endothelial cells

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile vasculitis of childhood that is associated with elevated production of inflammatory cytokines, causing damage to the coronary arteries. The production of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of adhesion molecules in human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAECs) is regulated by nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. We have previously reported that the active form of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1α,25-(OH)(2)D(3)), inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB activation. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of 1α,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression (vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)) and cytokine production (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8) in HCAECs. Pretreatment with 1α,25-(OH)(2)D(3) significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression and IL-8 production in HCAECs. Our results suggest that adjunctive 1α,25-(OH)(2)D(3) therapy may modulate the inflammatory response during Kawasaki disease vasculitis.

Elevated interleukin 8 and T-helper 1 and T-helper 17 cytokine levels prior to antiretroviral therapy in participants who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome during ACTG A5164

BACKGROUND

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) reflects an aberrant immune response that can develop in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Its pathogenesis remains unclear.

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study using specimens from ACTG A5164. We compared plasma biomarkers and T-cell subsets in 19 IRIS and 39 control participants at study entry, ART initiation, and IRIS and used conditional logistic regression to develop IRIS predictive models. We evaluated the effect of corticosteroids on biomarker levels.

RESULTS

Eleven and 8 participants developed paradoxical and unmasking IRIS, respectively, none while still receiving corticosteroids. Compared to controls, cases displayed elevations at study entry in interleukin (IL) 8, T-helper (Th) 1 (IL-2, interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]) and Th17 (IL-17) cytokine levels that persisted through ART initiation and IRIS. In logistic regression, baseline higher IFN-γ and TNF were strong predictors of IRIS. Participants who received corticosteroids and later developed IRIS had marked increases in IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ at the time of IRIS. T-cell activation markers did not differ in cases and controls prior to ART but were increased in cases at the time of IRIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased IL-8, Th1, and Th17 cytokine levels in IRIS patients precede ART initiation and could help identify patient populations at higher risk for IRIS.

Efficacy of immunoglobulin plus prednisolone for prevention of coronary artery abnormalities in severe Kawasaki disease (RAISE study): a randomised, open-label, blinded-endpoints trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicates that corticosteroid therapy might be beneficial for the primary treatment of severe Kawasaki disease. We assessed whether addition of prednisolone to intravenous immunoglobulin with aspirin would reduce the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities in patients with severe Kawasaki disease.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded-endpoints trial at 74 hospitals in Japan between Sept 29, 2008, and Dec 2, 2010. Patients with severe Kawasaki disease were randomly assigned by a minimisation method to receive either intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg for 24 h and aspirin 30 mg/kg per day) or intravenous immunoglobulin plus prednisolone (the same intravenous immunoglobulin regimen as the intravenous immunoglobulin group plus prednisolone 2 mg/kg per day given over 15 days after concentrations of C-reactive protein normalised). Patients and treating physicians were unmasked to group allocation. The primary endpoint was incidence of coronary artery abnormalities during the study period. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network clinical trials registry, number UMIN000000940.

FINDINGS

We randomly assigned 125 patients to the intravenous immunoglobulin plus prednisolone group and 123 to the intravenous immunoglobulin group. Incidence of coronary artery abnormalities was significantly lower in the intravenous immunoglobulin plus prednisolone group than in the intravenous immunoglobulin group during the study period (four patients [3%] vs 28 patients [23%]; risk difference 0·20, 95% CI 0·12-0·28, p<0·0001). Serious adverse events were similar between both groups: two patients had high total cholesterol and one neutropenia in the intravenous immunoglobulin plus prednisolone group, and one had high total cholesterol and another non-occlusive thrombus in the intravenous immunoglobulin group.

INTERPRETATION

Addition of prednisolone to the standard regimen of intravenous immunoglobulin improves coronary artery outcomes in patients with severe Kawasaki disease in Japan. Further study of intensified primary treatment for this disease in a mixed ethnic population is warranted.

FUNDING

Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

[Kawasaki disease in children and adolescents]

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. The diagnostic criteria are fulfilled with fever of unknown origin and 4 of the following 5 criteria: bilateral conjunctival injection, cervical lymphadenopathy, polymorphous rash, oral mucous membrane changes (injected lips, strawberry tongue) and peripheral extremity changes (erythema, edema, desquamation). If less than 4 criteria are found incomplete KD can be diagnosed. The therapy is 2 g/kg body weight single dose intravenous immunoglobulin and acetylsalicylic acid (ASS). In the long-term follow-up the main focus is on the coronary arteries because coronary changes play a key role in the intensity of long-term management. There is some evidence that KD is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in adults.

A meta-analysis on the effect of corticosteroid therapy in Kawasaki disease

The current recommended therapy for Kawasaki disease (KD) is the combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. However, the role of corticosteroid therapy in KD remains controversial. Using meta-analysis, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in KD by comparing it with standard IVIG and aspirin therapy. We included all related randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials by searching Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Pub Med, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Japanese database (Japan Science and Technology) as well as hand searches of selected references. Data collection and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of corticosteroids. Our search yielded 11 studies; 7 of which evaluated the effect of corticosteroid for primary therapy in KD, and 4 investigated the effect of corticosteroid therapy in IVIG-resistant patients. Meta-analysis of these studies revealed a significant reduction in the rates of initial treatment failure among patients who received corticosteroid therapy in combination with IVIG compared to IVIG alone (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32~0.79; p = 0.003). Furthermore, the use of corticosteroids reduced the duration of fever and the time required for C-reactive protein to return to normal. Our data did not show any significant increase in the incidence of coronary artery lesions or coronary aneurysms (OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.35~1.28; p = 0.23) in the corticosteroid group.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroid combined with IVIG in primary treatment or as treatment of IVIG-resistant patients improved clinical course without increasing coronary artery lesions in children with acute KD.