title: Kawasaki disease is associated with sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Kawasaki Disease (KD), a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, has been associated with the development of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). KD is primarily a disease of young children, who are the most susceptible to complications from even minimal hearing loss. If there is a connection between KD and the development of SNHL, a better understanding of this relationship may improve our management of this disease and its complications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To perform a systematic review according to a standardized guideline to evaluate the possible association between KD and SNHL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medline and PubMed online databases were reviewed for appropriate articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  All studies available in English discussing KD and SNHL were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were assessed primarily for the incidence of SNHL. Where possible, they were assessed for the degree and laterality of the loss, length of follow up and change in hearing over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  8 studies meeting the criteria were assessed. 3 were case reports, 1 was a case series and the remaining 4 were prospective control trials. 8 patients have been reported as cases, and 240 assessed in PCT. 36% of patients assessed had some degree of SNHL, and overall 14% had evidence of persistent SNHL at follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This systematic review would suggest there is an association between KD and SNHL. It is important for physicians caring for patients with KD to be aware of this complication and consider screening these patients given possible complications of hearing loss in this age group.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: kasmi@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Kristine Anne
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: warren.yunker@albertahealthservices.ca.
authors.forename: Warren K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Yunker
mesh_terms: D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000209:etiology; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Hearing loss; Kawasaki disease; Sensorineural hearing loss; Systematic review