Kawasaki disease: patients' transition journey and recommendations for adult care.

BACKGROUND: Children who develop coronary artery aneurysms after Kawasaki disease are at risk for cardiovascular morbidity, requiring health care transition and lifelong follow-up with an adult specialist. Follow-up losses after health care transition have been reported but without outcome and patient experience evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The Theoretical Domains Framework underpinned our aim to explore the required self-care behaviours and experiences of young adults' post-health care transition. METHODS: A qualitative description approach was used for virtual, 1:1 interviews with 11 participants, recruited after health care transition from a regional cardiac centre in Ontario. Directed content analysis was employed. RESULTS: Health, psychosocial, and lifestyle challenges were compounded by a sense of loss. Six themes emerged within the Theoretical Domains Framework categories. Participants offered novel health care transition programme recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The realities of health care transition involve multiple, overlapping stressors for young adults with Kawasaki disease and coronary artery aneurysms. Our findings will inform a renewed health care transition programme and will include outcome evaluation.

Readiness for Transition to Adult Health Care for Young Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease.

This study evaluates transition readiness, medical condition knowledge, self-efficacy, and illness uncertainty in young adolescents (ages 12 to 15 years) with congenital heart disease (CHD), and medical, patient, and parental factors associated with transition readiness. We enrolled 82 patients with moderate or complex CHD (n = 36, 44% male; mean age 13.6 ± 1.3 years), and their parents. Patients completed standardized self-report measures: Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), MyHeart scale, General Self-Efficacy scale, and Children's Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Parents completed the MyHeart scale and demographic information. Many young adolescents had not discussed transfer with a health care provider (n = 20, 24%) or parent (n = 34, 41%). Transition readiness was higher among patients who were older, more knowledgeable about their condition, had a history of primary cardiac repair and greater self-efficacy, and was lower for boys and patients on cardiac medications. Transition readiness was unrelated to CHD diagnosis and patients' illness uncertainty. Patients' self-advocacy skills were superior to their chronic disease self-management skills. Increased parental medical condition knowledge was positively correlated with patient knowledge, and patient-parent discussion of transfer was associated with increased patient's self-management skills. Transition is not uniformly discussed with young adolescent CHD patients. Parental involvement is correlated with increased transition readiness and patient disease self-management skills. Young adolescent transition programs should focus on education around improving patient medical condition knowledge, promote chronic disease self-management skills development, and include parental involvement.

Variability in Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Kawasaki Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the pattern of temperature response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). STUDY DESIGN: Patients nonresponsive to IVIG (axillary temperature ≥37.5°C >24 hours after end of IVIG) were identified. Each patient with IVIG-nonresponsive KD was matched to a control patient with IVIG-responsive KD of the same age, sex, and duration of fever before IVIG. Hourly temperature profiles were obtained from immediately before the start of IVIG infusion until complete defervescence. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients nonresponsive to IVIG were matched (total n = 364). Nonresponders were further classified as partial nonresponders (68%) (axillary temperature decreased to <37.5°C but fever recurred) and complete nonresponders (32%) (axillary temperature consistently ≥37.5°C throughout IVIG treatment). The temperature profile during IVIG infusion was similar between responders and partial nonresponders (EST: -0.061 [0.007]°C/h, P < .001 for responders vs EST: -0.027 (0.012)°C/h, P = .03 for partial nonresponders [responders vs partial nonresponders, P = .65]), where EST is the parameter estimate from the regression model, representing the change in degrees Celsius for each hour since start of IVIG. In complete nonresponders, IVIG was not associated with significant decreases in temperature (EST: -0.008 [0.010]°C, P = .42). Factors associated with complete (vs partial) nonresponse included laboratory-confirmed infection, greater C-reactive protein, and IVIG brand. Defervescence in partial nonresponders was achieved with a second IVIG dose for 72% of patients compared with 58% of complete nonresponders (P = .001). Complete nonresponders were more likely to develop coronary artery aneurysms vs partial nonresponders (OR: 2.4 [1.1-5.4], P = .03) or responders (OR: 3.2 [1.5-6.9], P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Nonresponse to initial IVIG can be further characterized by temperature profile, and complete nonresponders may require more aggressive second-line therapy.

Reported electronic cigarette use among adolescents in the Niagara region of Ontario.

BACKGROUND: Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among adolescents has not been fully described, in particular their motivations for using them and factors associated with use. We sought to evaluate the frequency, motivations and associated factors for e-cigarette use among adolescents in Ontario. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada, involving universal screening of students enrolled in grade 9 in co-operation with the Heart Niagara Inc. Healthy Heart Schools' Program (for the 2013-2014 school year). We used a questionnaire to assess cigarette, e-cigarette and other tobacco use, and self-rated health and stress. We assessed household income using 2011 Canadian census data by matching postal codes to census code. RESULTS: Of 3312 respondents, 2367 answered at least 1 question in the smoking section of the questionnaire (1274 of the 2367 respondents [53.8%] were male, with a mean [SD] age of 14.6 [0.5] yr) and 2292 answered the question about use of e-cigarettes. Most respondents to the questions about use of e-cigarettes (n = 1599, 69.8%) had heard of e-cigarettes, and 380 (23.8%) of these respondents had learned about them from a store sign or display. Use of e-cigarettes was reported by 238 (10.4%) students. Most of the respondents who reported using e-cigarettes (171, 71.9%) tried them because it was "cool/fun/new," whereas 14 (5.8%) reported using them for smoking reduction or cessation. Male sex, recent cigarette or other tobacco use, family members who smoke and friends who smoke were strongly associated with reported e-cigarette use. Reported use of e-cigarettes was associated with self-identified fair/poor health rating (odds ratio [OR] 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-3.0), p < 0.001), high stress level (OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.7), p < 0.001) and lower mean (33.4 [8.4] × $1000 v. 36.1 [10.7] × $1000, p = 0.001) and median [interquartile range] (26.2 [5.6] × $1000 v. 28.1 [5.7] × $1000) household incomes. INTERPRETATION: Use of e-cigarettes is common among adolescents in the Niagara region and is associated with sociodemographic features. Engaging in seemingly exciting new behaviours appears to be a key motivating factor rather than smoking cessation.

Universal screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents to identify high-risk families: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Universal screening of children for dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors has been recommended. Given the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors within families, one benefit of screening adolescents may be to identify "at-risk" families in which adult members might also be at elevated risk and potentially benefit from medical evaluation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of grade 9 students evaluating adiposity, lipids and blood pressure. Data collected by Heart Niagara Inc. through the Healthy Heart Schools' Program. Parents completed questionnaires, evaluating family history of dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and early cardiovascular disease events in parents and siblings (first-degree relatives), and grandparents (second-degree relatives). Associations between positive risk factor findings in adolescents and presence of a positive family history were assessed in logistic regression models. RESULTS: N = 4014 adolescents ages 14-15 years were screened; 3467 (86 %) provided family medical history. Amongst adolescents, 4.7 % had dyslipidemia, 9.5 % had obesity, and 3.5 % had elevated blood pressure. Central adiposity (waist-to-height ratio ≥0.5) in the adolescent was associated with increased odds of diabetes in first- (OR:2.0 (1.6-2.6), p < 0.001) and second-degree relatives (OR:1.3 (1.1-1.6), p = 0.002). Dyslipidemia was associated with increased odds of diabetes (OR:1.6 (1.1-2.3), p < 0.001), hypertension (OR:2.2 (1.5-3.2), p < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (OR:2.2 (1.5-3.2),p < 0.001) in first degree relatives. Elevated blood pressure did not identify increased odds of a positive family history. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of obesity and/or dyslipidemia in adolescents identified through a universal school-based screening program is associated with risk factor clustering within families. Universal pediatric cardiometabolic screening may be an effective entry into reverse cascade screening.

Atorvastatin safety in Kawasaki disease patients with coronary artery aneurysms.

Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) may decrease inflammation in postacute Kawasaki disease (KD) complicated by coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) and promote vascular remodeling. There are limited data on their safety in young children. Twenty patients with CAAs after KD (median CAA z-score = +25) were treated with 5/10 mg atorvastatin daily for a median of 2.5 years (range 0.5-6.8) starting at a median of 2.3 years (range 0.3-8.9) after acute KD (median age 9.3 years [range 0.7-14.3]). Compliance with treatment was excellent: only one patient reported minor side effects (joint pain, no change in medication). Average total cholesterol before atorvastatin was 3.73 ± 0.84 mmol/L and after atorvastatin was 3.21 ± 0.46 mmol/L (relative decrease -14 %, p = 0.02); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 1.99 ± 0.76 mmol/L before and only 1.49 ± 0.27 mmol/L after (relative decrease -20 %, p = 0.04); high-density lipoprotein was 1.39 ± 0.36 mmol/L before and 1.30 ± 0.27 mmol/L after (relative decrease -4 %, p = 0.35); and triglycerides were 0.71 ± 0.28 mmol/L before and 0.71 ± 0.18 mmol/L after (relative decrease -5 %, p = 0.38). Nine of 20 patients (45 %) experienced at least 1 episode of hypocholesterolemia (total cholesterol <3.1 mmol/L), and 2 patients required atorvastatin dose lowering. Transient mild increase of liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase 45-60 U/L) were seen in 7 of 20 (35 %) patients with no patients experiencing more severe increases. Only one patient experienced increased creatine phosphokinase levels (>500 U/L). Serial measurements of age- and sex-specific percentiles of weight (estimated change: 1.4 [2.7] % per year, p = 0.60), height (estimated change: -3.2 [3.2] % per year, p = 0.32), and body mass index (estimated change: 1.0 [2.9] % per year, p = 0.73) showed no association between anthropomorphic growth and atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin use in very young children with KD is safe but should be closely monitored.

The Healthy Eating Assessment Tool (HEAT): A Simplified 10-Point Assessment of CHILD-2 Dietary Compliance for Children and Adolescents with Dyslipidemia.

Traditional dietary assessment tools used to determine achievement of cholesterol-lowering dietary targets, defined in the Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet (CHILD-2), are time intensive. We sought to determine the utility of the Healthy Eating Assessment Tool (HEAT), a simplified 10-point dietary assessment tool, in relation to meeting dietary cut points of the CHILD-2, as well as its association with markers of adiposity and lipid variables. We performed a 2-year single-center, prospective cross-sectional study of pediatric patients with dyslipidemia. HEAT score associations with meeting CHILD-2 fat targets were modest. Only patients with the highest HEAT scores (good 43%, excellent 64%) met the CHILD-2 cut point of <25% total fat calories (p = 0.03), with a non-significant trend for limiting the percentage of daily saturated fat to <8% (excellent 64%), and no association with cholesterol intake. There were more consistent associations with markers of adiposity (body mass index z-score r = -0.31, p = <0.01 and waist-to-height ratio r = -0.31, p = <0.01), and there was no independent association with lipid levels. While fat-restricted diets are safe, they are not particularly effective for treatment of dyslipidemia or for weight management alone. The HEAT may be a more useful and simplified way of assessing and tracking broader dietary goals in clinical practice.

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Indirect Cascade Screening for Familial Hypercholesteraemia in a Paediatric/Parent Population.

Background: Familial hypercholesteraemia (FH), an inherited disorder of cholesterol metabolism, has a prevalence of 1:250 and an associated 6- to 22-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Despite the prevalence and availability of effective risk-reduction treatments, 90% of at-risk Canadians are undiagnosed. Indirect cascade screening from an index case is useful but the uptake is low (<4%), suggesting that barriers may exist. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework, we sought to determine barriers and facilitators among parents of children diagnosed with FH that may influence the uptake of cascade screening among families. Methods: A qualitative description approach was used for virtual interviews with 10 parents of children with FH, recruited from a regional Lipid Clinic in Toronto, Canada. Semistructured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using a directed content analysis method. Results: Five interconnecting themes were identified that captured both facilitators and barriers of indirect cascade screening: a high level of knowledge about FH after clinic attendance; parents' surprise of their child's diagnosis and ongoing worry; parents' willingness to communicate the need for cholesterol screening; parents' desire for educational materials, dictated by an external vs internal locus of control; and social and societal influences including the lack of awareness about FH in professional and public domains. Conclusions: The themes identified will inform next steps in programme development. An urgent need was identified for strategies to educate the public and primary care providers about FH and blood cholesterol/genetic screening.

Contexte: L'hypercholestérolémie familiale (HF) est un trouble génétique du métabolisme du cholestérol qui touche une personne sur 250 et qui est associé à un risque de 6 à 22 fois plus élevé de maladie cardiovasculaire (MCV). Malgré la prévalence élevée et la présence d'options thérapeutiques pour réduire ce risque, 90 % des Canadiens qui y sont exposés demeurent sans diagnostic. Le dépistage en cascade avec contact indirect à partir d'un proposant est une méthode utile, mais son adoption est faible (< 4 %), ce qui laisse croire qu'il existe des obstacles à son utilisation. À l'aide du cadre des domaines théoriques (TDF, pour Theoretical Domains Framework), nous avons cherché à déterminer les facteurs facilitateurs et les obstacles pour les parents d'enfants ayant reçu un diagnostic d'HF afin d'établir leur influence sur l'adoption du dépistage en cascade dans les familles. Méthodologie: Une approche par description qualitative a été utilisée lors d'entretiens virtuels semi-dirigés menés auprès de 10 parents d'enfants atteints d'HF ayant été recrutés dans une clinique régionale en troubles lipidiques de Toronto (Canada). Les données ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de contenu dirigée. Résultats: Nous avons cerné cinq thèmes interconnectés pour rendre compte à la fois des facteurs qui facilitent le dépistage en cascade par contact indirect et de ceux qui y font obstacle : des connaissances poussées sur l'HF après la visite de la clinique; la surprise des parents au sujet du diagnostic posé chez leur enfant et l'inquiétude qui s'installe; la volonté des parents de communiquer l'importance d'un dépistage des taux de cholestérol; le désir des parents d'obtenir du matériel éducatif, déterminé par un lieu de contrôle interne ou externe; et des facteurs d'influence sociaux et sociétaux, dont le manque de connaissances sur l'HF dans les sphères professionnelles et publiques. Conclusions: Les thèmes relevés guideront les prochaines étapes de la mise en place d'un programme. Il semble urgent d'adopter des stratégies visant à informer le public et les fournisseurs de soins primaires au sujet de l'HF ainsi que du dépistage génétique et du dépistage du taux de cholestérol sanguin.

Sleep disturbance and cardiovascular risk in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that inadequate or disturbed sleep is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in adults. There are limited data on sleep quality and associated cardiovascular risk in children. METHODS: We obtained data on adolescents from the 2009/10 cycle of the Healthy Heart Schools' Program, a population-based cross-sectional study in the Niagara region of Ontario. Participants underwent measurements of cardiometabolic risk factors, including body mass index (BMI), lipid profile and blood pressure, and they completed questionnaires measuring sleeping habits and nutritional status. We assessed sleep disturbance using the sleep disturbance score derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We explored associations between sleeping habits and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Among 4104 adolescents (51% male), the mean hours of sleep per night (± standard deviation) were 7.9 ± 1.1 on weeknights and 9.4 ± 1.6 on weekends. In total, 19% of participants reported their sleep quality as fairly bad or very bad on weeknights and 10% reported it as fairly bad or very bad on weekends. In the multivariable regression models, a higher sleep disturbance score was associated with increased odds of being at high cardiovascular risk (highest v. lowest tertile odds ratio [OR] 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.77], p < 0.001), increased odds of hypertension (highest v. lowest tertile OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.02-2.05], p = 0.05) and increased odds of elevated non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (highest v. lowest tertile OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.00-1.64], p = 0.05). The mean duration of sleep was not associated with these outcomes. INTERPRETATION: In healthy adolescents, sleep disturbance is associated with cardiovascular risk factor abnormalities. Intervention strategies to optimize sleep hygiene early in life may be important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease: two sides of the same coin.

UNLABELLED: We sought to determine differences in clinical presentation, treatment response and coronary artery outcomes between complete and incomplete KD. All patients treated for KD between January 1990 and April 2007 were reviewed. Patients were classified as having an incomplete presentation if presenting with fever ≥ 5 days and <4 "classic" KD clinical signs. A total of 955 patients were included. Incomplete clinical presentation was seen in 217 cases (23%). Patient's demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar between groups with few exceptions. Patients presenting with incomplete KD had a longer median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis (7 [4-17] versus 6 [6-13] days, p < 0.001) and were less likely to be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (86% versus 96%, p < 0.001). No significant difference between groups were seen in regard to coronary artery abnormalities (incomplete 13% versus complete 11%, p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: Complete and incomplete KD appear to be different sides of the same coin, differing only in the number of signs and symptoms at presentation. Similar laboratory findings and coronary artery outcomes between the two groups support this conclusion.

Rate, associated factors and outcomes of recurrence of Kawasaki disease in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on recurrence of Kawasaki disease (KD) have mostly been limited to Japan, which has an incidence of KD 8-10-fold higher than North America. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of KD recurrence for patients in Ontario, to identify factors potentially associated with increased odds of recurrence, and to compare the clinical course and outcomes of index and recurrent KD episodes. METHODS: Review was undertaken of all patients with recurrence of KD identified in Ontario, Canada, from 1995 to 2006. All patients with recurrence of KD (defined as at least three clinical signs of KD in addition to fever ≥ 5 days), presenting ≥ 14 days after the return to baseline from the index episode were included. RESULTS: A total of 1010 patients were followed for 5786 patient-years. During this period a total of 17 recurrent episodes in 16 patients were identified at a median of 1.5 years after the initial episode (2 weeks-5 years). Rate of recurrence of KD was 2.9 episodes/1000 patient-years, which is higher than the expected annual incidence of KD in the same age group (26.2/100,000 per year). No factors associated with increased risk of recurrence were identified, perhaps due to the small number of events. Clinical course and outcomes of the index and recurrent KD episodes were similar. CONCLUSIONS: A previous history of KD should increase the index of suspicion for future episodes of KD to allow for rapid recognition, treatment and to achieve optimal outcomes.

Physical activity interacts with adiposity in determining cardiometabolic risk in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been negatively associated with cardiometabolic risk. We sought to determine if MVPA interacts with body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in determining cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included cardiometabolic risk (blood pressure [BP], nonfasting lipids) screening and a 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire in 4,104 adolescents (51% male; mean age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years old). WC- and BMI- percentiles were used to define anthropometric categories (including obese adolescents: 90th WC, 85th BMI). RESULTS: Obesity in adolescents was associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol (Estimate [EST]: -0.28(0.07) mmol/L, p < .001) and higher non-HDL cholesterol (EST: +0.38(0.14) mmol/L, p = .008). Each additional day with 20 min of MVPA was associated with lower non-HDL cholesterol (EST: -0.014(0.005) mmol/L/days/week, p = .003), independent of anthropometric category. Each additional day with 20 min of MVPA was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for higher BP category in obese adolescents (OR: 1.055, 95% CI: 1.028-1.084, p < .001) and a lower odds ratio for higher BP category in presumably-muscular adolescents (OR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.934-0.989, p = .005). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in MVPA was associated with an increased likelihood for higher BP category in obese adolescents. The dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiometabolic risk needs to be evaluated in adolescents of varying anthropometry categories.

Socioeconomic Status and Kawasaki Disease Outcomes in a Single-Payer Health Care System.

Background: For patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), lower socioeconomic status (SES) may adversely affect the timeliness of presentation and initiation of intravenous immune globulin, and coronary artery outcomes. Multipayer systems have been shown to affect health care equity and access to health care negatively. We sought to determine the association of SES with KD outcomes in a single-payer health care system. Methods: Patients with KD presenting from 2007 to 2017 at a single institution were included. SES data were obtained by matching patient postal code district with data from the 2016 Census Canada. Results: SES data were linked for 1018 patients. The proportion of households living below the after-tax low-income cutoff in the patient's postal code district was 13% for not treated, 13% for delayed intravenous immune globulin treatment, and 12% for prompt treatment (P = 0.58). Likewise, the average median annual household income was unrelated to delayed or no treatment. The percentage >15 years of age with advanced education differed between groups at 33%, 29%, and 31% for delayed treatment, prompt treatment, and missed groups, respectively (P = 0.004). SES variables were not significantly different for those with vs without coronary artery aneurysms (max Z-score: >2.5), including the proportion of households living below low-income cutoff (12% vs 13%; P = 0.37), average median annual household income (CAD$81,220 vs $82,055; P = 0.78), and proportion with a university degree (33% vs 31%; P = 0.49), even after adjusting for sex, age, year, and KD type. Conclusions: Timeliness of treatment for KD and coronary artery outcomes were not associated with SES variables within a single-payer health care system.

Contexte: Chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Kawasaki (MK), un statut socioéconomique (SSE) plus difficile pourrait retarder le moment de la première consultation et le début du traitement par immunoglobuline intraveineuse (IgIV) ainsi que peser sur les résultats associés aux artères coronaires. Il a été démontré que les systèmes à payeurs multiples compromettent l'équité en matière de soins de santé et l'accès à ces derniers. Nous avons cherché à déterminer s'il existait un rapport entre le SSE et les résultats associés à la MK au sein d'un système de soins de santé à payeur unique. Méthodologie: L'étude comprenait des patients atteints de la MK qui se sont présentés à un même établissement entre 2007 et 2017. Les données sur le SSE ont été obtenues en associant le code postal des patients aux données du recensement canadien de 2016. Résultats: Les données sur le SSE de 1 018 patients ont été répertoriées. La proportion des foyers qui étaient sous le seuil de faible revenu (SFR) après impôt dans la circonscription correspondant à leur code postal était la suivante : 13 % pour les patients non traités, 13 % pour les patients chez qui le traitement par IgIV a été tardif et 12 % pour les patients qui ont rapidement reçu un traitement (p = 0,58). De même, aucune relation n'a été établie entre le revenu annuel médian des ménages et un traitement tardif ou une absence de traitement. Le pourcentage de personnes âgées de plus de 15 ans ayant un niveau de scolarité élevé différait d'un groupe à l'autre, soit respectivement 33 %, 29 % et 31 % pour les groupes à traitement tardif, à traitement rapide et sans traitement (p = 0,004). Les variables en matière de SSE n'étaient pas significativement différentes chez les patients présentant des anévrismes coronariens et chez ceux n'en présentant pas (score z maximal > 2,5), peu importe la proportion des foyers qui étaient sous le SFR après impôt (12 % contre 13 %; p = 0,37), le revenu annuel médian des ménages (81 220 $ CA contre 82 055 $; p = 0,78) ou le taux de diplomation universitaire (33 % contre 31 %; p = 0,49), et ce, même après ajustement en fonction du sexe, de l'âge et du type de MK. Conclusions: Aucune corrélation n'a été établie entre le SSE et le délai avant l'instauration d'un traitement contre la MK ou les résultats liés aux artères coronaires dans le contexte d'un système de soins de santé à payeur unique.

Understanding the Educational Support and Psychosocial Needs of Parents and Adolescents With Kawasaki's Disease and Coronary Artery Aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease (KD) with coronary artery aneurysms (complex KD) presents relentless challenges for families. Psychosocial experiences and needs were explored. METHOD: A descriptive, exploratory study of adolescents and parents using a needs survey and psychosocial instruments (anxiety, depression, and functional impairment). RESULTS: Fifty-one parents and 38 adolescents participated. Predominant interests were for information sheets, newsletters, Web sites, and phone applications. Gaps in disease-specific knowledge and awareness of coronary artery aneurysms between parents and adolescents were identified. Psychosocial concerns for adolescents included symptoms of anxiety (22%), depression (13%), and functional impairment (22%). Multivariable analyses indicated higher depression scores associated with longer travel distance from specialists (p = .04). Parent-reported social concerns for their adolescent were associated with higher anxiety (p = .005) and functional impairment (p = .005). Written commentary complemented the findings. DISCUSSION: Care protocols require psychosocial assessment/referral and the use of virtual platforms. The groundwork was laid for developing patient and family-centered strategies.

MEALTRAIN: what do inpatient hospitalized children choose to eat?

Data from the menu ordering system was used to calculate servings/child/day of food groups ordered by pediatric inpatients. The children ordered a mean of 5.0 +/- 0.56 servings of fruits and vegetables/day, which decreased to 3.5 +/- 0.27 servings when juice was removed. "Foods-to-limit" were ordered 3.8 +/- 0.31 times/day. Interventions to improve healthier choices are warranted.

Population trends toward increasing cardiovascular risk factors in Canadian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and cross-sectional trends over time for cardiovascular risk factors in Canadian adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional trends in cardiovascular risk and lifestyle factors were gathered annually in 14- to 15-year-old students in the Niagara region, Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: A total of 20 719 adolescents were screened between 2002 and 2008. The proportion of obese adolescents (>95th percentile for body mass index [BMI]) increased significantly, by +0.34%/year (P = .002). The proportions of adolescents with borderline high cholesterol (4.4-5.1 mmol/L) (+0.57%/year; P <.001) and with high cholesterol (≥5.2 mmol/L) (+0.43%/year; P <.001) both increased significantly over time. The proportion of adolescents with prehypertension decreased by -0.23%/year (P = .02), whereas the proportion of those with stage I hypertension (5%-6%) or stage II hypertension (2%-4%) remained constant. The proportion of adolescents classified as being at high cardiovascular risk increased by +0.67%/year (P <.001). Family history, low levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, poor nutrition, and lower socioeconomic status were all independently and negatively associated with all aspects of cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of 14- to 15-year-old Canadian adolescents have at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and the cross-sectional trends worsened during the period 2002-2008.

Intravenous immunoglobulin preparation type: association with outcomes for patients with acute Kawasaki disease.

To determine whether two different intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations were equally efficacious in the treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD). Single centre retrospective review of all patients treated with IVIG for KD between January 1990 and April 2007. Comparison of IVIG (dose 2 g/kg) from two commercial preparations; Iveegam stabilized with sugar (lyophilized, 5 g/ml glucose, pH 6.4-7.2, IgA 10 microg/ml, 5% IgG/ml) and Gamimune stabilized through acidification (no sugar, pH 4.0-4.5, IgA 270 microg/ml, 5% 1990-1999, 10% 1999-2007 IgG/ml). Propensity-adjusted differences in duration of fever after treatment initiation, frequency of retreatment with IVIG, hospital stay and maximum coronary artery z-score. A total of 954 patients were included, 862 (90%) were treated with Iveegam and 92 (10%) were treated with Gamimune. Patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar between the two groups. In propensity-adjusted models, Iveegam was found to be associated with higher probability of non-response to IVIG (12% vs. 5%, p = 0.05) and longer median duration of fever after IVIG [1 (1-27) vs. 1 (1-8) days, p = 0.02] than Gamimune. Nevertheless, Gamimune was found to be associated with longer median duration of hospital stay [5 (2-49) vs. 4 (2-76) days, p < 0.0001] and higher median maximum coronary artery z-score both at the end of the acute phase (+1.4 vs. +0.8, p < 0.0001) and 6-8 weeks after the acute phase (+0.7 vs. +0.4, p < 0.0001). IVIG preparations with lower IgA content and stabilized with glucose appear to be associated with improved coronary artery outcomes for patients with KD.

Macrophage activation syndrome in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease.

Rare cases of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) occurring during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported. We sought to characterize, review treatment, and outcomes of KD patients with clinical features of MAS. Medical histories of patients treated for KD and MAS between January 2001 and March 2008 were reviewed. Of 638 KD patients seen, 12 (1.9%) had additional clinical findings usually associated with MAS; 7 of them were males older than 5 years (6.1%; odds ratio: 6.8, P=0.002). Clinically, 9 patients had at least 4 of 5 KD clinical signs, and all patients had prolonged fever beyond initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia in two or more cell lines, hypertriglyceridemia and/or hypofibrinogenemia, and increased D-dimers were seen in 11 patients. Hyperferritinemia and elevated hepatic enzymes were seen in all patients. Four patients had biopsy-proven evidence of hemophagocytosis. All but 2 patients met at least 5 of 8 criteria necessary for MAS diagnosis. Treatment beyond the standard KD protocol (aspirin + intravenous immunoglobulin) was necessary in all but 1 patient. All patients eventually recovered with no long-term sequelae. A high index of suspicion for clinical features associated with MAS is warranted for KD patients to provide appropriate and timely treatment.

Repeated systematic surveillance of Kawasaki disease in Ontario from 1995 to 2006.

BACKGROUND: Rising incidences of Kawasaki disease (KD) have been reported worldwide. Reported herein are the results of 4 triennial KD surveillances conducted in Ontario. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2006 all hospitals in Ontario were asked on 4 occasions to identify all patients with discharge diagnoses of KD and report incident cases. RESULTS: The latest surveillance identified 697 new KD patients (100% response rate) for a total of 2378 KD patients through all 4 surveillances. Yearly incidence was 26.2/100,000 for <5 years old, 6.7/100,000 for 5-9 years old and 0.9/100,000 for 10-14 years old. KD incidence significantly increased from 1995 to 2006, although the increase seemed to plateau between the 3rd and 4th surveillance. There was an increase in the proportion of patients diagnosed with incomplete KD and a significant reduction in the rate of coronary artery abnormalities, possibly due to better disease recognition and treatment. Hospitals reporting <20 cases per surveillance were found to be more likely to report cases with incomplete KD. These patients were also less likely to be treated with i.v. immunoglobulin and aspirin but were more likely to be treated with antibiotics, suggesting uncertainties regarding diagnosis and management of KD patients in those centers. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of KD in Ontario is possibly one of the highest outside of Asia and has been rising since 1995. Although the most recent surveillance demonstrated improved cardiac outcomes, treatment delays or absence thereof continue to be a problem. Effective diagnosis and prompt treatment remain critical aspects of KD management.

Long-term anticoagulation in Kawasaki disease: Initial use of low molecular weight heparin is a viable option for patients with severe coronary artery abnormalities.

Patients with severe coronary artery involvement after Kawasaki disease (KD) require long-term systemic anticoagulation. We sought to compare our experience with thrombotic coronary artery occlusions, safety profile, and degree of coronary artery aneurysm regression in KD patients treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus warfarin. Medical records of all KD patients diagnosed between January 1990 and April 2007 were reviewed. Of 1374 KD patients, 38 (3%) received systemic anticoagulation, 25 patients received LMWH from diagnosis onward, 12 of whom were subsequently switched to warfarin, and 13 received warfarin from onset. The frequency of thrombotic coronary artery occlusions was similar between drugs. Severe bleeding was more frequent in patients on warfarin, but minor bleeding was more frequent for patients on LMWH. Patients on warfarin were at greater risk of underanticoagulation or overanticoagulation (defined as achieving an anti-activated factor X level or an international normalized ratio below or above target level) than patients on LMWH (P < 0.05). Maximum coronary artery aneurysm z-scores diminished with time for patients on LMWH (P = 0.03) but not for those on warfarin (P = 0.55). This study suggests that LMWH is a potentially viable alternative for patients, especially young ones, with severe coronary artery involvement after KD.