Neonatal Kawasaki Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of Kawasaki disease (KD) with unusual age at presentation. Case Report: A 26-day-old Saudi boy presented with fever, irritability and poor feeding for 3 days. There was right cervical lymph node enlargement. There was mild throat congestion and bilateral congested tympanic membrane. The liver was palpable. Otherwise, there were no more abnormal physical findings. Laboratory findings revealed high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and positive C-reactive protein. The patient was admitted into an isolation room and antibiotics were started. On the 5th day, the condition of the patient deteriorated. Ampicillin was discontinued and vancomycin was started till getting the results of the culture sensitivity. On the 7th day, he developed diaper rash and fever spikes continued. On the 8th day, the patient developed swelling, redness and hotness of the right hand. Possibility of sepsis was considered and the administered antibiotics were imipenem and vancomycin, while cefotaxime was discontinued. On the 12th day, the patient developed anemia and leukocytosis. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase was high. On the 15th day, the patient started to develop maculopapular rash on the trunk and desquamation of both hands and feet with swelling, cracked lips, bilateral conjunctival injection and unilateral neck lymph node swelling. So, the infant’s condition was clinically diagnosed as KD. Aspirin was started and 2 doses of intravenous immunoglobulins were given. On the 18th day, the condition of patient improved and the fever subsided. Conclusions: The diagnosis of KD among neonates is a clinical challenge. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria after the exclusion of other diseases presenting with high persistent fever. Early treatment by administering intravenous immunoglobulins and aspirin can help prevent cardiac complications. There is a pressing need to raise awareness among pediatricians about this disease.