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Kawasaki Disease (Pediatric)

What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) is a children’s illness characterized by fever, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat.

The immediate effects of Kawasaki disease are rarely serious. However, long-term heart complications result in some cases and can be seen as early as two weeks after the condition's onset. They may include damage to the coronary arteries that supply the heart and damage to the heart itself.

Who is affected by Kawasaki disease?

This condition is relatively common and tends to occur among children less than 5 years old. In the United States, Kawasaki disease is a major cause of heart disease in children.

What is the treatment for Kawasaki disease?

Most children fully recover. Management of the acute phase of Kawasaki disease usually involves intravenous immunoglobulin and close monitoring of cardiac function.

Additional treatment may involve intravenous pulse corticosteroid therapy and infliximab infusion.