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Kawasaki disease is an uncommon but severe medical condition that causes blood vessels to be inflamed (vasculitis), mainly in children below five years old. Inflamed blood can result in complications within the blood vessels that provide blood to the heart.
What causes Kawasaki disease remains unclear. However, a few risk factors have been identified. Children who develop Kawasaki disease may potentially have a genetic susceptibility to it, this means that the genes inherited from their parents could increase their susceptibility to the condition.
Kawasaki disease is not infectious, but it is possibly life-threatening in 2 to 3% of cases.
Kawasaki disease usually advances through three stages (acute, subacute, and convalescent) within approximately six weeks, during which symptoms manifest slowly. The noticeable symptoms of Kawasaki disease are:
Kawasaki disease cannot be diagnosed with a specific test, but it can be identified through various signs and symptoms.
A child probably has Kawasaki disease if they have a fever persisting for five days or beyond, together with at least four of the five main symptoms as listed below:
Diagnostic tests that are performed include a complete blood count with differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, liver function tests, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urinalysis, and echocardiography (to confirm if there are any abnormalities or issues with the heart’s structure or function).
Treatment for Kawasaki disease aims to decrease inflammation and avoid or minimise damage to blood vessels and heart complications.
Treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin (for fever and to prevent blood clots).
Some potential complications of Kawasaki disease include aneurysms (a weakened, bulging part of an artery, like a bulge in a balloon), Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS), arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), coronary artery stenosis or occlusion, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, thrombosis, kidney disease, and heart attack.
Children who receive suitable treatment for Kawasaki disease and do not have aneurysms typically reach total recovery without requiring extensive ongoing monitoring. However, resuming normal health will probably take approximately one to two months, so sufficient rest is important during this period.
As for children who have Kawasaki disease who do have aneurysms, they are required to go through continuous follow-up care with a cardiologist.
Currently, it is unlikely that we can prevent Kawasaki disease. However, if your child is diagnosed and treated quickly, there is a likelihood of him or her fully recovering within 6 to 8 weeks. Nevertheless, there is a risk of complications emerging. This is why it is important to receive medical attention quickly and proceed with treatment right as symptoms appear.
Kawasaki disease is an unusual but likely life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention are key to optimal recovery with minimal complications in the long run.
A dedicated and expert team of Paediatricians at Gleneagles Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding Kawasaki disease. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.
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