Do hematologic parameters predict coronary artery involvement in children with Kawasaki disease? A retrospective study

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Abstract
Objective: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of childhood that may lead to coronary artery involvement (CAI) if not promptly treated. Early identification of laboratory predictors for coronary complications is essential. This study aimed to identify early laboratory predictors of coronary complications in KD, to help clinicians assess risk during the acute phase. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 38 pediatric KD patients. Clinical and laboratory data—including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Htc), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet counts (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), liver enzymes, and Harada scores—were collected and compared between patients with and without CAI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The mean age was 35.0±32.6 months, with 65.8% male. CAI was observed in 16 of 38 patients (42.1%). No statistically significant differences were found in the laboratory values at diagnosis between patients with and without CAI. Conclusion: Routine hematological and inflammatory markers at admission were not predictive of CAI in KD. These findings highlight the need for high clinical suspicion in incomplete cases and suggest that incorporating clinical features and risk scores may improve early risk stratification.

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