ABC Medical Center > Kawasaki disease

What is Kawasaki disease?

12:14 - 9 April , 2021

Disease

It is a syndrome whose causes are still unknown, which mainly affects the lymph nodes and inflames the blood vessels throughout the body, which can trigger the appearance of aneurysms and heart problems. It is an unusual pathology that predominantly affects Asian children under five years old and that must be treated promptly to avoid complications in other areas of the body, such as the digestive or the nervous system.

Signs and symptoms Kawasaki disease

  • High fever (above 39°C).
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Sensitive skin prone to flaking.
  • Behavior changes and irritability.
  • Eye inflammation.
  • Joint and abdominal pain.
  • Dry lips and swollen tongue.
  • Body rashes.
  • Vomit and diarrhea

If you child has any of these symptoms, go immediately to your ABC doctor. Do not risk its life! 

Main causes:

Although the origin of Kawasaki disease is still unknown, it is known that there are some factors that increase the risk of contracting it:

  • Age. Since it usually occurs in children under five years old.
  • Ethnicity. A higher prevalence of the disease has been demonstrated in minors of Asian descent.
  • Sex. Males are more prone to the disease. 

Diagnosis and treatment Kawasaki disease

To date, there is no conclusive diagnostic test for Kawasaki disease, however, your doctor will evaluate your child’s medical history and perform a physical examination to assess his or her condition. 

In some cases, your doctor may request complementary studies such as:

  • EKG and cardiac ultrasound to analyze your child’s heart function.
  • Blood tests to rule out other possible conditions.

Treatment options:

Immunoglobulin is administered intravenously as a first option, along with drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to modulate inflammation, prevent aneurysms, and reduce the recurrence of fevers. 

In more complex cases, more specific medications could be prescribed or even conduct some surgical intervention.

At the Cardiovascular Center we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.

Fuentes: 

  • fundación española del corazón
  • healthychildren.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • texasheart.org
  • medigraphic.org
  • Kim GB. Reality of Kawasaki disease epidemiology. Korean J Pediatr. 2019; 62(8)292-296. https://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2019.00157
  • Mejía AC, Sandí ON, Salazar CN. Actualización en enfermedad Kawasaki en población pediátrica. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2020;5(06):1-11.
  • Singh S, Jindal AK, Pilania RK. Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2018;21(1):36-44. https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185X.13224
  • Sosa T, Browner L, Divanovic A. Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki. JAMA Network Clinical Guidline Synopsis. 2019;173(3):278-279. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3307

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