Validation of a 2-Gene Blood Test for Kawasaki Disease in Febrile Children

Can a 2-gene blood test distinguish Kawasaki disease from other febrile illnesses in children?In this diagnostic study of 541 febrile children, expression of and measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction accurately identified Kawasaki disease. Performance was consistent across 5 independent cohorts, including incomplete Kawasaki disease, diverse febrile-control etiologies, and coronary artery phenotypes.These findings suggest that a simple 2-gene blood test may provide an objective adjunct to clinical criteria for early Kawasaki disease diagnosis and reduce delays in initiating intervention.

Corresponding Authors: Ho-Chang Kuo, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123, Da-Pei Road, Niaosong, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 83301, Taiwan (erickuo48@yahoo.com.tw); Xuefeng B. Ling, PHD, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3174 Porter Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94304 (bxling@stanford.edu).

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