Redox alterations of platelets and erythrocytes represent progression marker and pathogenetic determinants in Kawasaki disease

Background Kawasaki disease (KD) is a rare generalized systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology in which the main complication is the development of coronary artery abnormalities. Considering that an inflammation-associated systemic pro-oxidant status could play a critical pathogenetic role in KD progression [1], we evaluated some peripheral blood redox-associated parameters, including redox and aging features associated with red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets (PLT) integrity as possible pathogenetic determinants or progression markers in KD disease.