Kawasaki disease

Alternative names:

infantile polyarteritis; mucocutaneous lymph node disease; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome

Treatment:

Children with Kawasaki disease are hospitalized and care is normally shared between pediatric cardiology and infectious disease specialists (although no infectious agent has been demonstrated). It is imperative that treatment be started as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent damage to the coronary arteries and heart.

Intravenous gamma globulin is the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease and is administered in high doses. Marked improvement is usually noted within 24 hours of treatment with IV gamma globulin.

Salicylate therapy (see Salicylates - oral), particularly aspirin remains an important part of the treatment but salicylates alone are not as effective as IV gamma globulin.

Expectations (prognosis):

With early recognition and treatment, full recovery can be expected. However, 2 percent die from complications of coronary vasculitis.

Complications:

Complications involving the heart, including coronary vasculitis and coronary aneurysm, can cause acute myocardial infarction later in life or at a young age.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms develop that indicate Kawasaki disease may be present. A persistant high grade fever that is unresponsive to acetaminophen or ibuprofen and lasting more than 24 hours should be evaluated by a physician.