Kawasaki disease

What is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease causes inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries (which supply blood to the heart). It is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it affects lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose, and throat.

While high fever and peeling skin can be frightening, the disease is treatable. Most children recover without serious problems if treated early.

Symptoms by Phase

Symptoms typically appear in three distinct phases.

Phase 1 (Early Signs)

• High Fever: Often higher than 102.2 F (39 C) and lasts more than 5 days.
• "Strawberry Tongue": Red, dry, cracked lips and an extremely red, swollen tongue.
• Red Eyes: Conjunctivitis without discharge.
• Rash: On the main part of the body or genital area.
• Swollen Extremities: Red, swollen skin on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Usually in the neck.

Phase 2 (Late Signs)

• Peeling Skin: Especially on the tips of fingers and toes, often in large sheets.
• Joint pain.
• Diarrhea and Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.

Phase 3 (Recovery)

Signs slowly go away unless complications develop. It may take up to 8 weeks for energy levels to return to normal.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If your child has a fever that lasts more than 4 days along with symptoms like red eyes, swollen tongue, or peeling skin, see a doctor immediately. Treating Kawasaki disease within 10 days of onset greatly reduces the risk of heart damage.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. Scientists do not believe it is contagious. Theories link it to bacteria, viruses, or genetic factors, but none are proven.

Complications: The Heart

Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Complications include:

• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, usually coronary arteries.
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Heart Valve Problems: Mitral regurgitation.
• Aneurysms: Bulging of the artery wall, increasing the risk of blood clots or internal bleeding.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test for Kawasaki disease. Doctors diagnose it by ruling out other diseases (like Scarlet Fever or Measles) and checking for the classic symptoms.

• Blood Tests: To check for elevated white blood cells, anemia, and inflammation.
• Urine Tests: To rule out other infections.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to check how well the heart and coronary arteries are functioning.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): To measure the electrical impulses of the heartbeat.

Treatment

Treatment usually begins in a hospital to prevent heart damage.

1. Initial Treatment

• Gamma Globulin (IVIG): Infusion of immune proteins through a vein to lower the risk of coronary artery problems.
• Aspirin: High doses are used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Note: This is a rare exception to the rule against using aspirin for children.

2. Long-term Care

Once the fever goes down, low-dose aspirin may be continued for weeks to prevent clotting. If heart problems develop, pediatric cardiologists may recommend:

• Anticoagulant Drugs: Like Warfarin or Heparin to prevent clots.
• Angioplasty or Stents: To open narrowed arteries.
• Bypass Graft: Surgery to reroute blood around a diseased artery.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.