What is Kawasaki Disease?

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About Kawasaki Disease:

It is also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
It is a rare disease that causes fever and inflammation of the blood vessels, mainly in children under 5 years of age.
The disease was first described in Japan by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1967, and the first cases outside of Japan were reported in Hawaii in 1976.
The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, although more cases happen in late winter and early spring.
It is one of the most common forms of acquired heart disease in children.
The condition causes the immune system to attack blood vessels, which become inflamed and swollen.
It tends to affect the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart muscle. It can also cause problems with lymph nodes, skin, and the lining of a child’s mouth, nose, and throat.
Symptoms: Symptoms of Kawasaki disease can appear in two phases and may last several weeks. Common symptoms include:
- A high fever lasting more than five days.
- Red eyes without discharge.
- A rash on the body, often in the chest and groin area.
- Swollen hands and feet, sometimes with redness.
- Red, cracked lips and a swollen, red tongue.
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially on one side of the neck.
Treatment:
- Kawasaki disease is usually treated in the hospital with an intravenous (IV) dose of immunoglobulin (IVIG) antibodies.
- The goals of treatment are to lower fever, reduce swelling, and prevent heart damage.