Kawasaki’s disease
Evidence: Immune-mediated
Names
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki Syndrome
Lymph Node Syndrome
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome
Description
Kawasaki's Disease is a rare disorder with sudden onset resulting in fever and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). This inflammation restricts blood flow and damages vital organs and tissues, leading to heart disease. Patients are predominantly children.
The cause of Kawasaki’s Disease is uncertain but is believed to be autoimmune. Patients who do not suffer damage to the coronary arteries (ex. aneurysms) are expected to heal completely. Patients who do suffer aneurysms are at greater risk of complications and heart failure, but many can be expected to recover within 2 years. Relapse is uncommon. Short-term and long-term treatments and procedures that protect the heart and coronary arteries are available.
Prevalence
US Cases: 30,000 - 65,000 [Modesti & Plewa 2019]
Typical Age of onset
Affects children from 5 months to 5 years old.
Symptoms
Early Stages:
Persisting fever
Bloodshot eyes
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen hands and feet
Red palms and soles of feet
Red, dry, cracked swollen lips
Rash on the torso and groin
Swollen tongue which looks shiny and bright with red spots
Possible heart problems
Later Stages:
Peeling skin on hands and feet
Temporary arthritis or joint pain
Temporary hearing loss
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Enlarged gallbladder, liver or spleen
Abdominal pain
