Risk factors for refractory Kawasaki disease: clinical records of the paediatric clinic of palermo

Introduction Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited febrile illness that mainly affecting smallto medium-sized vessels and occurs in early childhood. The etiology is currently unknown, however it likely results from an immunologic response triggered by microbial agents, with documented genetic susceptibility. Intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the gold standard therapy for coronary arteritis in the acute phase of KD; some patients do not respond to IVIG and coronary aneurysms continue to develop in 5%. The most serious complications are coronary vasculitis and aneurysms. 15% of these patients do not respond to IVIG (Refractory KD:RMK) and have a higher risk of aneurysms.