Kawasaki disease – SP Medifort Hospital

Kawasaki disease Treatment

Kawasaki disease Treatment in Trivandrum

Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) of the walls of small to medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body. It most often affects the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The disease usually occurs in children and can affect the heart if not treated promptly. Because it often involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, it is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease ?

Kawasaki disease symptoms can include

Redness and swelling of hands and feet.
High fever lasting 5 days or more.
Red, dry, cracked lips.
Red, bloodshot eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge.
Strawberry tongue.
Rash.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Irritability or fussiness.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
Joint pain.

What causes Kawasaki disease ?

Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels in children, especially affecting the heart arteries. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may trigger it.

Infections: Some viral or bacterial infections may act as triggers, prompting the body’s immune system to overreact.
Genetic factors: Children with a family history of Kawasaki disease are more likely to develop it, suggesting a hereditary predisposition.
Immune system response: An abnormal immune reaction can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which is a hallmark of the disease.
Age: Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under the age of 5, making young children the most vulnerable group.
Ethnicity: Children of Asian descent, particularly Japanese and Korean, have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Seasonal pattern: The condition occurs more frequently in winter and early spring, indicating a possible seasonal influence.

Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease

There’s no single test for Kawasaki disease, but doctors use tests to support the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Blood tests: Detect signs of inflammation (elevated ESR or CRP), anemia, or abnormal platelet counts that often accompany the disease.
Urine tests: Check for inflammation or the presence of infection in the urinary tract.
Echocardiogram: Uses an ultrasound device on the chest to create images of the heart and coronary arteries, helping detect inflammation or aneurysms.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): A noninvasive test that measures the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm.
CT Angiogram: Combines X-rays with computer imaging to provide detailed views of blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA): Uses MRI technology to produce detailed images of the heart and blood vessels without radiation.

What are the Kawasaki disease risk factors?

Risk factors for Kawasaki disease include:

Age: Kawasaki disease is most common in children under 5 years. Young children’s immune systems may react more strongly to triggers, making them more susceptible to the disease.

Gender: Boys are slightly more likely to develop Kawasaki disease than girls, although it can affect both sexes.

Ethnicity: Children of Asian descent, especially Japanese and Korean, have a higher risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Family history: Children with a family history of Kawasaki disease are more likely to develop it themselves, indicating a hereditary component.

Seasonal pattern: Cases tend to occur more frequently in winter and early spring, possibly due to seasonal infections or environmental triggers.

What treatment options are available for Kawasaki disease ?

Treatment for Kawasaki disease includes:

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): A high‑dose antibody treatment given through a vein that helps reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and lowers the risk of heart complications. Most children start improving soon after receiving it.

Aspirin: Used initially in high doses to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation, then lowered to a long-term low dose to prevent blood clots. It is used safely under medical supervision in Kawasaki disease despite general caution in children.

After Initial Treatment: Most children show improvement shortly after receiving a single dose of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), which helps reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart complications. Following the acute phase, children are usually prescribed low-dose aspirin for at least six weeks to prevent blood clots. If there are coronary artery abnormalities, aspirin therapy may be extended, and additional monitoring may be required.

Without Treatment: If Kawasaki disease is left untreated, the illness typically lasts around 12 days, but inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to lasting heart problems, including coronary artery complications, which may require ongoing care and monitoring.

Monitoring Heart Health: Children may need follow-up tests 6–8 weeks after illness, and again at 6 months if needed. Persistent or serious heart issues are managed by a pediatric cardiologist, with treatment depending on the type of heart problem.