Features of Kawasaki disease at the extremes of age

Abstract

Aim: The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) in those outside the typical age range (6 months-4 years) is often delayed, potentially worsening prognosis. The features of KD in children ≤6 months and ≥5 years were compared with those presenting within the more typical age distribution. Methods: Korean children with complete diagnostic criteria for KD were grouped according to their age at presentation: Group A (≤6 months), Group B (7 months-4 years) and Group C (≥5 years). The clinical features, laboratory findings and outcome in each group were compared. Results: Of 136 children presenting to a single centre between 1999 and 2003, 10 children were in Group A, 114 in Group B and 12 in Group C...