Fifteen-minute consultation: Kawasaki disease: how to distinguish from other febrile illnesses: tricks and tips. Issue 3 (3rd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Alison; Sales, Katie; Fenton-Jones, Mary; Tulloh, Robert
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2020-01-03
• Subjects: Kawasaki disease -- fever -- vasculitis -- coronary artery aneurysms -- general paediatrics; Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-316834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Kawasaki disease (KD) is challenging to diagnose because there is no specific laboratory test and the presentation is often similar to common childhood infections. We highlight some of those KD diagnostic challenges. KD, a self-limiting vasculitis, can cause coronary artery aneurysms. The aim is to optimise management during the acute febrile illness to try and prevent these because a giant coronary artery aneurysm is devastating enough without thinking that it might have been prevented. The conundrum for acute paediatricians is which clinical features best distinguish the febrile child with possible KD, needing intravenous immunoglobulin, from the many other children with febrile illnesses.