Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus aspirin (standard therapy) with standard therapy plus steroids in patients with primary Kawasaki disease within 10 days of fever were eligible for inclusion. Two-dimensional echocardiography or coronary artery catheterisation had to be performed at least one week after therapy to detect the presence of coronary aneurysms. The primary endpoint was coronary artery abnormality by echocardiographic assessment within and after a month. Secondary endpoints were included adverse events and re-treatment. Coronary arteries were classified by whether aneurysms were present or absent according to criteria of Japanese Ministry of Health in all of the included studies.
The proportion of males ranged from 56% to 69% in the included studies. Mean age, where reported, ranged between 2.75 and 4.3 years. IVIG doses given were either 1mg/kg given twice or 2mg/kg given once. Steroids used were prednisolone (2mg/kg three times daily) or IV methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg once daily).
The authors stated neither how papers were selected for the review nor how many reviewers performed the selection.