Inflammation-induced hepcidin is associated with the development of anemia and coronary artery lesions in kawasaki disease

Purpose Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic febrile vasculitis complicated by coronary artery lesions (CAL). Anemia is common in patients with KD and is associated with a prolonged duration of active inflammation. Hepcidin is a central modulator of inflammation-associated anemia, acting via control of iron absorption and a direct inhibitory effect on erythropoiesis. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of inflammation-induced hepcidin in the development of anemia, the occurrence of CAL formation, and IVIG treatment response in patients with KD. Methods Eighty-six KD patients and 30 febrile controls were enrolled. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and serumhepcidin were measured in sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hemoglobin and serum iron levels were also measured. Results Hemoglobin and iron levels were lower in KD patients than in controls (p