What is Kawasaki Disease? Kawasaki Disease (KD) also known as Kawasaki Syndrome. An unusual and serious illness of young children. It is an autoimmune disease that can effect any type of blood vessel in the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. The walls of the blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed. Largely seen in children under 5 yrs. of age. Most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups.

Signs and Symptoms (KD) “mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome” Alternative name is called “mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome” Often begins a high and persis- tent fever that’s not very respon- sive to reg Tx with paracetamol. Red, dry, cracked lips and a red, swollen (strawberry) tongue. Red, swollen palms of the hands and feet. Red eyes In untreated children, the feb- rile period lasts on average approx. 10 days.

What Causes Kawasaki Disease? The body's response to a virus or infection combined with genetic factors may cause the disease. However, no specific virus or infection has been found. Can't be passed from one child to another child.

Common Complications (KD) Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Heart valve problems (mitral regurgitation). Vasculitis, w/c is the most feared complication in a Kawasaki Syndrome.

How Can Kawasaki Disease Be Prevented? Can't be prevented however, most children who develop the disease fully recover—usually within weeks of getting signs and symptoms. Advance problems are rare.

How can KD be treated? The medicines that are used to treat KD are called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and ASA (acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin). IVIG IVIG is given through an intravenous (IV) needle in a child’s vein. -it can reduce the inflammation (redness and swelling) in the body. IVIG contains antibodies from donated blood. It is screened for viruses and bacteria before it is used as a treatment. ASA ASA is given by mouth 4 times a day at first - in high doses, ASA also helps reduce inflammation in the body.

How Is Kawasaki Disease Diagnosed? Kawasaki Disease is diagnosed based on your child's signs and symptoms and the results from diagnostic tests and procedures. EKG (electrocardiogram) is recommended. - a simple test detects and records the heart's electrical activity. EKG can show whether Kawasaki disease has affected the heart. Blood Tests - these tests can show whether the body's blood vessels are inflamed.

History of KD First described in 1967, by the pediatrician Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who reported 50 cases of a unique self-limited childhood illness. He referred to it as "acute febrile mucocutaneous syndrome” with lymphoid involvement with specific desquamation of the fingers and toes in children.

Specialists Involved (KD) Pediatricians often are the first to suspect a child has Kawasaki Disease. - Doctors who treat children. A Pediatric Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating children who have heart problems. A practice specializing in Rheumatology (painful joints)

Conclusion Kawasaki disease is treatable if caught early and most children recover without any serious long term effects.

References Conjunctivitis. (2003). In Webster’s New World Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from entry/webstermed/conjunctivitis Corticosteroids. (2006). In Churchill Livingstone’s Dictionary of Nursing. Retrieved from entry/ehscldictnursing/corticosteroids Editors of Salem Press (2008). Kawasaki disease. Magill's Medical Guide, 4th Rev. ed.. Salem Press. Retrieved from Heart Diseases and Conditions (AHA). (2010, November 17). In ProQuest Editorial Website G. Retrieved from Kawasaki disease. (2011). In Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from entry/ehsdorland/kawasaki_disease Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011). Kawasaki disease: Complications. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Retrieved from disease/DS00576/DSECTION=complications Mitral Regurgitation. (2011). In Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary. Retrieved from entry/ehsdorland/mitral_regurgitation Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome (MLNS). (2012). In Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions.

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