Cardiovascular status after Kawasaki Disease in the UK

V Shah,1 G Christov,2 T Mukasa,2 K S Brogan,1 A Wade,3 D Eleftheriou,1 M Levin,4 RM Tulloh,5 B Almeida,1 MJ Dillon,1 J Marek,2 N Klein,1 PA Brogan1

August 2015

This study examined circulating endothelial cells (CECs) years after Kawasaki Disease. CECs were increased in patients with KD, were highest in those with CAA, but were also elevated in some patients without CAA, compatible with a state of persistent subclinical vasculitis years after the acute disease.

In contrast, arterial stiffness, carotid intima media thickness and conventional cardiovascular risk factors were no different from controls. Impact on clinical practice? The significance of patients having high CECs is unknown. Our study does, however, provide a scientific rationale for recommending lifelong follow-up of all patients with KD.  This study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and KSSG UK.