A multicenter collaborative study on the risk factors of cardiac sequelae due to Kawasaki disease: a one-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the prevalence of cardiac sequelae 1 y after the onset of Kawasaki disease and determine the risk factors associated with these cardiac sequelae.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

1594 patients who initially visited one of the 87 target hospitals in 1996 for Kawasaki disease participated. Selection of the target hospitals was based on a nationwide survey. The patients were followed-up and information concerning cardiac sequelae occurring within 1 y of onset was obtained by mail survey.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cardiac sequelae 1 mo after onset was 10.2% and decreased to 4.2% in 1 y. The prevalence was higher among males than females and higher in patients less than 1 y and 5 ys or older than in 1-4 year-olds. Of the patients with cardiac sequelae at 1 mo, the sequelae disappeared in 60.7% after 1 y. Analysis revealed low serum albumin as a risk factor related to the occurrence of cardiac sequelae 1 y after onset. Of the 1594 patients, 10 had giant anuerysms and 3 had a fatal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 60% of cardiac sequelae due to Kawasaki disease that developed within 1 mo after onset disappeared in 1 y. The odds ratio was significantly higher among patients with a low serum albumin level 1 y after onset.