Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is characterized by lymphadenopathy and fever, and is usually self-limited. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with KFD.

This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in South Korea from March 2008 to October 2015. KFD was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological or histological findings and excluded when there were any other causes of lymphadenopathy. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and laboratory manifestations.

A total of 35 cases were included. The mean patient age was 12.1±2.9 years (range, 5 to 17 years); the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.8. The main clinical manifestations were cervical lymphadenopathy and fever in 34 cases (97%). The mean duration of fever was 12.2±8.3 days (range, 2 to 37 days). We noted enlargement of lymph nodes in the cervical, mesenteric (n=5, 14%), axillary (n=2, 6%), and inguinal (n=1, 3%) regions. Hepatosplenomegaly, loss of appetite, and rash were observed. On laboratory examinations, elevation of ferritin, leukopenia, and positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies were frequently observed. Twelve patients underwent biopsy and 23 cases were diagnosed by radiological findings. The mean duration of hospitalization for all cases was 7.9±2.9 days (range, 3 to 13 days) and steroids were administered in 10 cases. KFD recurrence was observed in 2 cases (5.7%) with the time to relapse of 7 months and 4 years. There were no cases with systemic lupus erythematous or other autoimmune disease.

KFD should be considered in pediatric patients with lymphadenopathy and prolonged fever. Patients with KFD should be monitored for recurrence and the development of autoimmune disease.

To compare the epidemiology, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, seasonality and hospital course of enteroviral meningitis (EM) and non-enteroviral meningitis (NEM) cases in infants under 3 months of age.

A retrospective chart review was performed of infants under 3 months of age or less with viral meningitis admitted to Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 2010 and December 2016.

EM patients were more likely to have siblings compared with NEM. Most of EM was diagnosed during the summer season. Almost 80% of EM was diagnosed between July and September. Fever lasted longer in EM patients compared to NEM. White blood cell count (WBC) from the cerebrospinal fluid was higher in EM patients compared with NEM patients. WBC in blood were lower in EM patients compared with NEM patients. C-reactive protein was lower in EM patients compared with NEM patients. Most of the patients were initially started on antibiotics therapy to rule out bacterial meningitis. EM patients received shorter duration of antibiotic treatment compared with NEM patients.

This study was conducted to augment the understanding of the incidence, epidemiology, transmission in infants, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, seasonality and hospital courses of enteroviral meningitis compared to NEM. Early recognition, rapid diagnosis and proper clinical management can reduce duration of antibiotic treatment.