6 Evaluation of a Standardized Kawasaki Disease Protocol for Management and Follow-Up

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2017, it was recognized that there was significant variation in the management and follow-up of Kawasaki disease (KD) at our institution, resulting in inefficient use of hospital resources and patient confusion. A multidisciplinary team from cardiology, rheumatology, emergency medicine, infectious diseases (ID), and general paediatrics created a standardized protocol distributed on October 10th, 2019. With the evolution of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with SARS-COVID 19 (MISC), we expanded our protocol in December 2021 to include a 1-week follow-up echocardiogram (echo). Objectives It has been 3 years since the KD standardized protocol was implemented. As a result, we seek to evaluate its effectiveness in improving patient care, specifically in the patients with normal coronary arteries. Design/Methods We reviewed the cardiology echo database to define patients who had an echo performed for KD (January 1, 2020-August 17, 2022). These patients were reviewed in the electronic hospital record to define those with a discharge diagnosis of KD. Results Of the 138 patients defined, 47 patients were discharged with KD; normal coronary arteries (N=38) were seen in 81% (38/47). Classic KD: 47% (18/38); incomplete KD: 53% (20/38); 13% (5/38) were diagnosed with both MISC and KD. Average age: 3.4 years (3 months to 9.5 years). We observed that rheumatology was consulted in 89% (34/38), cardiology in 100%, and ID in 50% (19/38). All patients were treated with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (38/38), and the majority were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, 92% (35/38). Some patients were treated with steroids, 26% (10/38). Average length of stay: 4.8 days (1-18 days). Twenty-one patients were seen from when we initiated performing a 1-week echo. In addition to the existing protocol, 24% (5/21) of cases missed having a 1-week follow-up echo because the cardiologist was not aware of the practice. Eighty-nine% (34/38) had their 6-week follow-up echo and follow-up in the post-hospitalization clinic (PHC) at the appropriate time. Patients were incorrectly scheduled to see the cardiologist in 13% (5/38) and the PHC in 3% (1/38) cases. Conclusion With the implementation of a standardized management and follow-up protocol for KD, our patients are now guaranteed follow-up with access to effective patient-centred care in a streamlined manner that targets appropriate use of resources. A satisfaction survey should be performed to inquire if families are pleased with this process.