Biomarkers and related factors for the diagnosis, risk of coronary artery lesions, and resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin in Kawasaki disease: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited febrile disease predominantly affecting infants and children under 5 years old. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) are a prevalent complication, highlighting the necessity for swift diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive review of biomarkers applicable for the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD) in clinical settings is imperative. To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of biomarkers for diagnosis of KD, incidence of CAL, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance. The data included in our study were sourced from searches conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCO, and Google Scholar until March 15, 2024. Studies investigating the association with KD or evaluating diagnostic value were included in our study. Eligibility was independently assessed by two authors, with conflicts resolved through discussion. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent authors, following Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. We assess biomarkers relevant to KD, categorizing them into three groups: diagnostic, associated with CAL incidence, and linked to IVIG resistance. For studies focusing solely on association, we present standardized mean differences (SMD). For those reporting sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic measures, we calculate the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to compare their efficacy. We identified 14 meta-analyses on biomarkers related to KD. 11 biomarkers exhibited diagnostic value for KD, while 21 were associated with its progression. Four biomarkers, including non-coding RNAs (DOR, 19.35 [95% CI, 13.58–27.56]), Serum ferritin (DOR, 24.90 [11.67–53.12]), N terminal proBNP (DOR, 21.03 [9.03–49.00]), and micro RNAs (DOR, 45.28 [6.30–325.52]), have significant diagnostic value for the diagnosis of KD. Seven biomarkers showed significant association with the incidence of CAL. Twenty biomarkers were for the prediction of IVIG resistance, including prognostic nutritional index (DOR, 7.72 [95% CI, 2.37–25.09]), non-coding RNAs (DOR, 14.63 [3.24–66.14]), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (DOR, 6.62 [4.05–10.81]), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (DOR, 3.30 [2.10–5.19]), and C reactive protein (DOR, 6.58 [3.69–11.74]). Based on the evidence, we have proposed various biomarkers associated with KD. Our aim is for these biomarkers to have wide applicability in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings.