Cardiovascular risk factors of early atherosclerosis in school-aged children after Kawasaki disease

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine whether school-aged children with Kawasaki disease (KD) have an increased risk for early atherosclerosis.MethodsThe study included 98 children. The children were divided into the following groups: group A (n=19), KD with coronary arterial lesions that persisted or regressed; group B (n=49), KD without coronary arterial lesions; and group C (n=30), healthy children. Anthropometric variables and the levels of biochemical markers, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and brachial artery stiffness using pulse wave velocity were compared among the three groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in blood pressure and body index among the three groups. Additionally, there was no sex-specific difference. Moreover, the levels of triglyceride, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A, and hs-CRP did not differ among the three groups. However, the levels of total cholesterol (P=0.018), LDL-C (P=0.0003), and apolipoprotein B (P=0.029) were significantly higher in group A than in group C. Further, the level of homocysteine and the aortic pulse wave velocity were significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C (P=0.0001).ConclusionSchool-aged children after KD have high lipid profiles and arterial stiffness indicating an increased risk for early atherosclerosis.

Cumulative incidence of Kawasaki disease in Japan

“…It is still unclear whether vasculitis due to KD progresses to atherosclerosis when persons with a history of KD become middle-aged. [3][4][5][6][7][8] If the vasculitis in infants and toddlers is related to the atherosclerosis, the risk of cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease would rise in those with a history of KD. Currently, data both supporting and not supporting the progression, exist.…”

“…Although the proportion has decreased mainly due to the progress in acute phase treatment, cardiac sequelae, such as coronary artery aneurysms, are still a large and long‐term problem in KD. In addition, whether vasculitis due to KD progresses to atherosclerosis after the disease is still controversial . If the vasculitis progresses to atherosclerosis, the risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in those with a history of KD would increase when they become middle‐aged or after.…”

“…In addition, whether vasculitis due to KD progresses to atherosclerosis after the disease is still controversial. [3][4][5][6][7][8] If the vasculitis progresses to atherosclerosis, the risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in those with a history of KD would increase when they become middle-aged or after. Thus, the problems of KD apply not only to the acute phase of the disease but also to the rest of the patient's life as well.…”

Cholesterol overload impairing cerebellar function: The promise of natural products

“…Barley possesses several medicinal applications. In both clinical trials containing hypercholesterolemic patients [111] and animal studies [112], barley fiber, or their b glucan lowered blood cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for coronary heart dis ease [113]. The concentration of barley b glucan ranges from 2.7% to 5.2% dry weight [114].…”

Hypercholesterolemia-induced ocular disorder: Ameliorating role of phytotherapy

“…In hypercholesterolemic patients [106] and animal studies [107], barley fiber or their β-glucan have lowered blood cholesterol level which contributed to coronary heart disease [108].…”