PMID: 15249914Jul 14, 2004Paper

Recent developments and controversies in Kawasaki disease

Minerva pediatrica
J A Guzman-Cottrill, Stanford T Shulman

Abstract

In the developed world, Kawasaki disease is currently the leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. To date, the etiologic agent remains unknown. Many hypotheses regarding the etiology exist, and debate continues as to whether the inflammatory response of Kawasaki disease results from a superantigen or a conventional antigen. A variety of growth factors, proteinases, and cytokines have been identified that are involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease in Kawasaki disease. These findings are leading to novel treatment strategies in Kawasaki disease, including platelet glycoprotein receptor inhibitors and monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The role of corticosteroids remains controversial, and ongoing clinical trials are evaluating its efficacy. Additional studies have focused on newer non-invasive methods of evaluating children with coronary artery disease as alternatives to coronary catheterization. We review recent developments and controversies in exploring the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of Kawasaki disease.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cardiovascular Inflammation

Inflammation plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, an understanding of these endogenous processes is critical for evaluating the risks and potential treatment strategies. Discover the latest research on cardiovascular inflammation here.

Related Papers

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
A F Freeman, Stanford T Shulman
Critical Reviews in Immunology
J De Inocencio, R Hirsch
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
D Y Leung
The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists
A H RowleyS C Baker
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved