The functions of endothelial progenitor cells were significantly improved after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin in children with Kawasaki disease.

We sought to determine the effects of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin on the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) as well as its relationship with concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Ten KD patients in the acute phase of their disease were recruited. We investigated EPC functions in children with KD before and after treatment with IVIG and aspirin. In vitro assays were used to measure the functions, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration activities, of EPCs. Plasma levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP were also assessed. All of the data were assessed before and at 7 days after treatment initiation. EPC functions after 7 days of treatment with IVIG and aspirin were significantly improved than they were before treatment with IVIG and aspirin. Treatment with IVIG and aspirin significantly decreased TNF-α and hs-CRP concentrations. There was a significant linear regression relationship between decreased plasma TNF-α levels, hs-CRP levels, and increased functions of circulating EPCs. The results of our study indicate that the functions of circulating EPCs improved after treatment with IVIG and aspirin, which may be related to decreased concentrations of TNF-α and hs-CRP.