Predictors of Immunoglobulin therapy resistance in Kawasaki disease: Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Program: Day 2

Abstract

Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Timely initiation of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has reduced the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms from 25% to 4%. Approximately 10% to 20% of patients with KD are IVIG resistant. Because IVIG-resistant patients are at higher risk for coronary artery aneurysms, it is important to identify these patients who might benefit from more aggressive initial therapy. Currently available IVIG resistance prediction models, originally developed with data from Asian populations, are …