title: Management of coronary artery aneurysms using abciximab in children with Kawasaki disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  We 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 6months were retrieved.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, fifteen children were identified who were diagnosed with KD and were given abciximab. The median age at onset of symptoms was 11months (range: 2months-6years). The median day of disease at admission was 10days (range: 4-26days) and the median day of administration of abciximab was 17days (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 1month 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 6months 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Abciximab 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.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bachlava
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Loukopoulou
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karanasios
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chrousos
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: amichos@med.uoa.gr.
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Michos
mesh_terms: D000077284:Abciximab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003323:Coronary Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D000077284:Abciximab
keywords: Abciximab; Aneurysms; Children; Complication; Coronary; Kawasaki