Management of coronary artery aneurysms using abciximab in children with Kawasaki disease

IntroductionThere are limited data regarding the possible benefits of abciximab in children with Kawasaki disease (KD), who developed serious cardiac abnormalities non-responsive to standard treatment.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively identified children with KD who were treated with abciximab from 2007 to 2015. Data regarding clinical course, treatment, echocardiographic data and follow-up at 1 and 6 months were retrieved.ResultsDuring the study period, fifteen children were identified who were diagnosed with KD and were given abciximab. The median age at onset of symptoms was 11 months (range: 2 months-6 years). The median day of disease at admission was 10 days (range: 4-26 days) and the median day of administration of abciximab was 17 days (range: 9-40). Twelve children were diagnosed with complete and three with incomplete KD. Aneurysms were found in 8 children: 2 had ectatic coronary arteries and 5 presented with both ectasia and aneurysms. At 1 month follow-up, echocardiographic findings showed regression in the size of aneurysms in 11 children, resolution of the aneurysms or ectasia of coronary arteries in 3 children, while one child who could not take aspirin because of G6PD deficiency died. After 6 months of follow-up, echocardiographic findings showed resolution of coronary abnormalities in 12 (80%) children, whereas 2 children (13.3%) presented with significant regression of aneurysms.ConclusionsAbciximab may have an important role in the management of severe cardiac complications of KD, although prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to fully evaluate its role.