Clinical features of Kawasaki syndrome in infants less than 6 months of age

Kawasaki syndrome is an acute systemic disease. It is clinically characterized by fever, changes in the mucous membranes, skin, lymph nodes, and possible involvement of coronary and other visceral arteries. The disease is encountered mainly in children less than 5 years of age. In the patients aged less than 6 months it occurs less frequently and may be severe. These babies are at high risk for coronary artery aneurysms. The lack of alertness to the possible development of Kawasaki syndrome at this age delays treatment and worsens prognosis. The Kawasaki syndrome should be considered as a possible cause of prolonged fever even in youngest infants. High fever of unclear genesis in a baby within the first months and 7 days or more of life is an indication for echocardiographic examination of the coronary arteries. The presented review analyzes the studies conducted in different years in the USA, Canada, Korea, and on the specific features of the disease in infants less than 6 months, including in neonates