Definition

Kawasaki disease is a type of inflammatory disease that usually only affects children. Typical symptoms include high fevers, swollen lips and throat, swollen lymph nodes, and peeling hands and feet.

Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck

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Usually, it's a self-limited condition that has a mild, uncomplicated course. Children often recover without treatment. However, more serious cases can lead to complications that affect the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart with blood.

If these coronary arteries become inflamed, the wall of the arteries may weaken. This weakening can cause an aneurysm]]>. An aneurysm can lead to blockage of the artery. If these blockages occur, the heart, which is a muscle, will suffer from insufficient oxygen. This can cause chest pain ( ]]>angina]]> ). It can even cause a ]]>heart attack]]> and permanently damage the heart. Early treatment can help prevent these aneurysms from developing.

This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor. The sooner Kawasaki disease is treated, the more favorable the outcome. If you suspect your child has this condition, contact the doctor right away.

Causes

The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. It does not seem to be contagious or hereditary.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing Kawasaki disease:

• Age: children under age five
  • Children over the age of eight rarely get this disease and it is very rare in adults.
  • The average age of patients is two years old.
• Sex: more common in boys than girls
• Ethnicity: more prevalent in children of Asian ethnicity
• Season: more common during the winter and early spring months

Symptoms

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to Kawasaki disease. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

Symptoms include:

• High fever—lasting for at least five days
• Rash
• Swollen hands and feet that may look red and the skin may peel
• Conjunctivitis]]> (also known as “pink eye”)—red or “bloodshot” whites of the eye
• Swollen lymph nodes (organs of the immune system) in the neck
• Soreness and swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat
• Strawberry tongue—white/yellow coating and bright red bumps on tongue
• Irritability

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose Kawasaki disease. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose Kawasaki disease using the following diagnostic criteria:

• Fever lasting more than five days and four of the following:
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva (eye)
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, and pharynx
  • Skin changes (rash, swelling, redness or peeling) of extremities
  • Rash over trunk
  • Swollen lymph nodes in neck

Blood and urine tests may be performed to rule out other conditions and to document the presence of anemia]]> and inflammation.

Additional tests will also be ordered be ordered to assess for potential involvement of the heart and coronary arteries:

• ]]>Electrocardiogram (ECG)]]>—This test that measures the heartbeat's electrical activity. If Kawasaki disease is suspected, an ECG is done to exclude a heart attack, a rare complication of this condition in children.
• ]]>Echocardiogram]]>—When Kawasaki diseases is suspected or diagnosed, the doctor will take an echocardiogram to find out if coronary arteries are involved. If damage to the heart is found, your child should get an echocardiogram done each year.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent any damage to the coronary arteries and the heart. It is also important to make your child as comfortable as possible as the illness runs its course. The earlier treatment is started the better. Early treatment can prevent long-term heart and joint problems. Treatment is usually given in the hospital and a pediatric cardiologist may come to examine your child.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Kawasaki disease. But, it is important to treat it as early as possible to prevent damage to the coronary arteries and the heart. Twenty to twenty-five percent of children who do not receive treatment get damage.