Kawasaki disease in the neonatal period

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) is rare in neonates, who have fewer cardinal diagnostic features, potentially contributing to delayed diagnosis and worse outcome. We describe two infants who developed features consistent with incomplete KD in the first three weeks of life, who are amongst the youngest ever reported. The suggestive clinical features and lack of alternative aetiology prompted treatment of KD, with excellent response and no coronary artery sequelae. Current diagnostic guidelines are recognized to be relatively insensitive in infants. KD should be considered in infants with prolonged fever, irrespective of other clinical features. © 2011 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.