Kawasaki disease: Shedding light on a mysterious diagnosis. Issue 7 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galuppo, Jana; Kowker, Alexandra; Rolfs, Jenna; Nicholas, Joyce; Schmidt, Eric
• Is Part Of: JAAPA. Volume 33:Issue 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Kawasaki disease -- autoimmune -- vasculitis -- coronary artery aneurysm -- pediatrics -- CRASH and Burn; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physicians' assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physician Assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine; Physicians' assistants; Periodicals; 610.7372069
• DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000668792.41976.f2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0893-7400

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic febrile vasculitis of medium and small arteries, most often occurring in children under age 5 years. This condition is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the developed world. The cause is unclear but is thought to be a hyperimmune reaction to an infectious agent. Diagnosis is clinical; the classic presentation includes persistent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral mucosal changes, conjunctivitis, and rash. Although the disease technically is self-limiting, treatment with IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose aspirin is necessary to prevent cardiac complications, such as coronary artery aneurysm, pericarditis, or myocarditis. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Kawasaki disease.