HEART FAILURE IN CHILDREN WITH A CLINICAL HISTORY OF KAWASAKI SYNDROME: CLINICAL EVALUATION

Abstract

Kawasaki Syndrome is a rare disease that, if not treated properly, can lead to serious heart complications. It is characterized by systemic inflammation, with symptoms that include high fever, skin rashes, swelling of the hands and feet, among others. However, what makes this syndrome particularly concerning is its potential to cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. When the coronary arteries are affected, there is an increased risk of heart failure, among other serious complications. Objective: to analyze and synthesize the evidence available in the scientific literature related to the clinical evaluation of children with a clinical history of Kawasaki Syndrome who developed heart failure. Methodology: based on the PRISMA checklist to ensure a high-quality systematic review. Several databases were used to collect relevant articles, including PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science. Five key descriptors in English related to the disease were used. These descriptors included: "Kawasaki Syndrome", "Heart Failure", "Pediatric Cardiology", "Childhood Cardiovascular Assessment", "Clinical Evaluation". Inclusion criteria: Studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, studies that addressed the clinical evaluation of children with a clinical history of Kawasaki Syndrome and studies that investigated the occurrence or identification of heart failure in this group of pediatric patients. Exclusion Criteria: Studies that were not directly related to the clinical evaluation of children with a history of Kawasaki Syndrome, studies that did not report relevant data or information about heart failure, and duplicate studies or repeated reports of the same study. Results: 10 articles were selected. It has been noted that Kawasaki Syndrome is a condition that can affect the coronary arteries, making children affected by this syndrome more susceptible to heart problems, including heart failure. Clinical assessment plays a fundamental role in the early identification of these complications, with emphasis on monitoring cardiac function and recognizing symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty breathing and edema. Timely medical and cardiac interventions can significantly improve the prognosis of these children and reduce the risk of serious complications. Additionally, it was noted that research in this field still lacks high-quality studies and solid evidence related to the specific clinical assessment of heart failure in children with Kawasaki Syndrome. Conclusion: This systematic review emphasized the importance of careful clinical assessment and early diagnosis of heart failure in children with a history of Kawasaki Syndrome. Timely identification and appropriate treatment are crucial to improving the prognosis of these children and minimizing adverse impacts on their long-term cardiac health.