What is Kawasaki Disease?

About Kawasaki Disease:

• Kawasaki Disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare disease that causes fever and inflammation of the blood vessels.
• It occurs mostly in children younger than 5 years old and affects boys more often than girls.
• 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 the most common form of acquired (not present at birth) heart disease in children in developed countries.
• 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.
• It is not contagious, so it cannot spread from person to person.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of Kawasaki disease can appear in two phases and may last several week Common symptoms include:
  • A high fever lasting more than five days.
  • A rash on the main part of the body or in the genital area.
  • An enlarged lymph node in the neck.
  • Very red eyes without a thick discharge.
  • Red, dry, cracked lips and a red, swollen tongue.
  • Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Later the skin on fingers and toes peels.
• Treatment:
  • It is often treatable. With early treatment, most children get better and have no long-lasting problems.
  • It is usually treated in the hospital with an intravenous (IV) dose of immunoglobulin (IVIG) antibodies.