Distinguishing Kawasaki Disease from Other Febrile Illnesses in Infants

Aim: Kawasaki disease (KD) is difficult to diagnose in infants, since the disease course is subtle. We aimed to identify whether infants with KD demonstrate significant alterations in laboratory parameters that can be used to distinguish them from other febrile infants. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, infants diagnosed with KD between January 2010 and December 2019 were evaluated and compared to a cohort of febrile infants admitted with prolonged fever during the same period. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were recorded and compared between these two groups. Results: A total of 42 infants (27 male) with KD (32 incomplete KD) and 84 age-matched febrile infants (57 male) were evaluated. Coronary artery involvement was identified in 20 (47.6%) infants of whom 5 (25%) had coronary aneurysms. All infants with KD were treated with IVIG and high dose acetylsalicylic acid, and 38 (90.5%) responded to treatment. The duration of fever and hospitalization were longer in infants with KD compared to the controls (p