Kawasaki Disease is a rare kind of vascular condition that affects children in the age-group of 6 months to 5 years. However, it can be found in older children too. If detected late or not treated on time, it can lead to various complications, including death. In recent decades, treatment options for Kawasaki Disease have improved, so the outlook towards the condition is positive. In this article, we will know more about the condition.
Vasculitis is a condition in which, some blood-vessels in the body get inflamed for one or more reasons. This affects blood-flow to that part of the body, which in-turn affects the health of organs, glands and tissues in that region. There are nearly 20 different disorders grouped under Vasculitis. They are classified based on size of blood-vessels affected – whether the condition affects large blood-vessels, mid-sized ones, smaller vessels, variable vessels, or others.
According to paediatricians, one such, rare type of Vasculitis is ‘mucocutaneous lymph-node syndrome’. Instances of this disease have been documented in medical journals, as early as 1871. In 1967, Japanese paediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki described 50 cases of the disease in children, in detail. That’s when the disease was begun to be noticed and taken seriously. In his honour, the condition is named Kawasaki Disease.
In this condition, the blood-vessels get inflamed. This weakens the walls of the blood-vessels. They get stretched out and become thin. As a result, blood-flow reduces. The condition affects children in the age-group of 6 months to 5 years. It can affect any artery or set of arteries in the body. However, most often, it affects the coronary arteries of the heart. This impacts the normal functioning of the heart resulting in heart-issues and other symptoms.
Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an idiopathic condition. That is, the cause is not clearly known. Unknown viruses, bacteria, parasites and environmental-toxins have been attributed to as causes. However, there is not enough evidence for the same. Since the reason is unknown, it is difficult to prevent KD. However, there are some risk factors for KD.
However, please note, one may not fit into any of the above 3 risk factors but can still develop KD.
In later stages, the child may show the following symptoms:
At this juncture, it’s important to note that most of the symptoms of KD are not unique and are similar to that of other ailments. That’s why, the above diagnostic tests are not primarily aimed at confirming KD, but rather ruling out conditions with similar symptoms, such as:
Treatment options are many and are all aimed at preventing or minimizing damage to coronary arteries, reducing inflammation, preventing blood-clots and heart complications. They include:
Paediatricians believe while untreated KD can be fatal in 6-8 weeks since the start of the condition, the outlook is favourable for most children. Coronary artery conditions including aneurysms affect only 6% of children being treated for KD. And out of these 6%, nearly 50% of them heal within 1 or 2 years of treatment.
For precise diagnosis and effective treatment of Kawasaki Disease, trust the expertise at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare for children in a warm and kid-friendly environment. Reach out to us today and ensure your child’s good health and well-being.
What is Kawasaki Disease and who does it affect? Kawasaki Disease is a rare form of vasculitis that causes inflammation of blood vessels, mostly affecting children under 5 years old.
What are the main symptoms of Kawasaki Disease in children? Symptoms include persistent fever, red eyes, rashes, swollen hands and feet, cracked lips, and a strawberry tongue. These may be followed by abdominal pain and vomiting.
What causes Kawasaki Disease? The exact cause is unknown. Experts suspect it could be linked to infections or environmental triggers, but it is not contagious.
Can Kawasaki Disease cause heart problems? Yes, if not treated early, it can lead to serious heart issues like coronary artery aneurysms, myocarditis, and even heart failure.
How is Kawasaki Disease treated? Treatment involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), aspirin, and sometimes steroids or anticoagulants to reduce inflammation and protect the heart.
What is the recovery outlook for Kawasaki Disease? With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most children recover fully. Ongoing monitoring may be needed if there are heart complications.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
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