Abstract:
Objective
To study the value of serum NT-proBNP and procalcitonin in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease in children and in the prediction of damage to coronary arteries by determining their levels.
Methods
A total of 65 children with Kawasaki disease were hospitalized in Hunan Children's Hospital from Mar. 2015 to Aug. 2016.They were divided into two groups according to their ultrasonic cardiograms: the group of coronary artery damage(group A,28 children) and the group of no-damage to coronary artery(group B,37 children). A total of 55 children with respiratory infection complicated with fever treated in our hospital during the same period were included as the respiratory infection group(group C). Another 40 healthy children were chosen as the control group. The children with confirmed diagnosis of Kawasaki disease received pulse therapy with venous injection of large dose of immunoglobulin(2 g/kg). After one week, the level of NT-proBNP in each group was detected and the level of procalcitonin in children with Kawasaki disease before and after treatment was also detected.
Results
The level of NT-proBNP in group A and B was higher than that in group C and the control group(P<0.01). There was no statistical difference on NT-proBNP level between group B and group C(P>0.05), while its level in group A was higher than that in group B, group C and the control group (P<0.05).After treatment with venous injection of immunoglobulin, procalcitonin level was significantly lower than before treatment, and there was statistical difference(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Serum NT-proBNP level has some value in distinguishing Kawasaki disease from some common infections, and it's a sensitive indicator in predicting the coronary damage in Kawasaki disease. Procalcitonin level is significantly increased in Kawasaki disease, especially at acute stage; however it needs to be proved by more samples whether it is a risk factor of coronary artery damage.

Key words: Kawasaki disease, NT-proBNP, Procalcitonin, Child