Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) in the blood vessels throughout the body. These blood vessels carry blood to different parts of the body. Most often, Kawasaki disease affects the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Sometimes, Kawasaki disease is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. This name comes from the fact that it also affects the lymph nodes (glands) and the mucous membranes lining areas like the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat. These mucous membranes are the moist linings of these parts of the body.

Children with Kawasaki disease often experience a high fever, along with swollen hands and feet that might peel, red eyes, and a red tongue. Importantly, Kawasaki disease is often treatable. If treated early, most children recover fully and don't have any lasting problems. Early treatment is key to preventing potential complications.

Kawasaki disease is a condition that can affect children. A key symptom is a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher that lasts for five days or more. Along with the fever, children with Kawasaki disease usually have at least four of these other signs:

• Skin rash: A rash can appear on the body, including the genitals.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen glands, often in the neck, are common.
• Red eyes: The eyes become very red, but without a thick, sticky discharge.
• Mouth changes: The lips become red, dry, and cracked, and the tongue may be red and swollen.
• Hand and foot changes: The palms of the hands and soles of the feet turn red and swollen. Later, the skin on the fingers and toes may peel off.

It's important to note that these symptoms might not all appear at the same time. If your child has any of these symptoms that have gone away, tell their doctor.

Other possible symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:

• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Vomiting

Sometimes, a child might have a high fever for five or more days but doesn't meet all the criteria for a full diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. This is called incomplete Kawasaki disease. Even with incomplete Kawasaki disease, there's still a risk of damage to the arteries in the heart. Treatment within 10 days of the first symptoms is crucial.

Kawasaki disease can sometimes have similar symptoms to a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which can occur in children who have had COVID-19. If your child has a fever that lasts more than three days, it's important to contact their doctor.

Early treatment of Kawasaki disease, within 10 days of the start of symptoms, can help reduce the risk of long-term problems with the heart's blood vessels.

If your child has a fever that lasts for more than three days, it's important to talk to their doctor. A condition called Kawasaki disease can cause problems with the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Getting treatment within 10 days of the fever's start can help lower the risk of long-term heart issues.

Kawasaki disease is a mystery. Doctors don't know exactly what causes it. Crucially, it's not contagious; you can't catch it from another person. Scientists have some ideas, though. Some believe it might be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection. Others think environmental factors might play a role. It's also possible that some children are more prone to getting Kawasaki disease because of their genes. This means that certain genetic makeup could make a child more susceptible.

Kawasaki disease is a condition that can affect children. Several factors increase a child's chance of getting it.

• Age: Children under five years old are most vulnerable to Kawasaki disease. This is a crucial age range because their immune systems are still developing.
• Gender: Boys are slightly more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than girls.
• Background: Children of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease more frequently. This difference in rates may be due to various factors, including genetics or environmental influences, that are not fully understood.

Kawasaki disease often appears in specific seasons. In places like North America, with similar weather patterns, the disease is most common during the winter and early spring. The reason for this seasonal trend isn't completely clear, but it might be related to infections or environmental factors that are more prevalent during these times.

Kawasaki disease is a common cause of heart problems in children living in developed countries. While it can affect the heart, most children recover fully with treatment.

If Kawasaki disease does affect the heart, it can cause several issues:

• Inflammation of the blood vessels: This often happens in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Imagine these arteries as tubes carrying water. Inflammation makes the tubes swollen and less flexible.

• Inflammation of the heart muscle: This is similar to inflammation in the rest of the body. The heart muscle itself becomes swollen and irritated.

• Problems with the heart valves: The heart valves act like doors, controlling the flow of blood. Kawasaki disease can sometimes damage these valves, making them less effective.

These problems can all lead to damage of the heart. Inflammation of the arteries can weaken them, causing them to bulge outward, creating something called an aneurysm. This is like a weak spot in a hose. Aneurysms can make blood clots more likely. Blood clots can block blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack or internal bleeding.

Although rare, in some cases, Kawasaki disease can lead to heart problems serious enough to cause death in children. Prompt treatment is crucial to minimize the risk of lasting heart damage.

Diagnosing Kawasaki disease isn't as simple as taking one test. Doctors don't look for a specific marker for Kawasaki disease. Instead, they rule out other illnesses that share similar symptoms. These include:

• Scarlet fever: A bacterial infection causing a sore throat and rash.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: A type of arthritis that affects children.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome: A serious skin condition affecting the mucous membranes (the linings of the mouth, nose, and other areas).
• Toxic shock syndrome: A rare but serious illness often linked to certain bacteria.
• Measles: A highly contagious viral illness with a characteristic rash.
• Tick-borne illnesses (like Rocky Mountain spotted fever): Infections spread by ticks, often causing fever and a rash.

To figure out if a child has Kawasaki disease, their doctor will perform a physical exam and order some tests. These tests help compare the child's symptoms with those of other diseases.

• Blood tests: These tests are important to rule out other illnesses. They also check the number of different types of blood cells. A high white blood cell count, low red blood cell count (anemia), and signs of inflammation can suggest Kawasaki disease.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This quick and painless test measures the heart's electrical activity. Small sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest, sometimes on the arms and legs. Wires connect these patches to a computer that records the heart's rhythm. An ECG can show if the heart is beating regularly. Kawasaki disease can sometimes cause problems with the heart's rhythm.

• Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It shows how blood flows through the heart chambers and valves, and how well the heart is working. Crucially, it can also help find problems with the heart's arteries, which is a very important aspect of Kawasaki disease.