An infant with IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease requiring repeated glucocorticoids therapy: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis predominantly affecting children, characterized by fever, chapped lips, strawberry tongue, conjunctival hyperemia, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy. The most severe complication associated with KD is the development of coronary artery abnormalities.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 1-year and 2-month-old girl was admitted to the hospital with persistent fever, rash, and elevated inflammatory markers.

DIAGNOSES

Despite 36 hours of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, she remained febrile and was classified as IVIG-resistant.

INTERVENTIONS

Methylprednisolone was administered for 13 days; however, tapering to a single daily dose resulted in symptom recurrence.

OUTCOMES

A subsequent course of intravenous methylprednisolone, administered over 42 days, resolved her symptoms, with follow-up evaluations demonstrating normal echocardiograms and electrocardiograms. The duration of methylprednisolone treatment exceeded standard guideline recommendations for KD; however, the patient achieved full recovery without adverse effects.

LESSONS

This case highlights the potential efficacy of glucocorticoids as a treatment option for IVIG-resistant KD and emphasizes the necessity for further research into their role as first-line therapy, particularly in patients with IVIG intolerance.