KAWASAKI DISEASE

Source: FinancialExpress

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Context

• Kawasaki disease cases among children have increased in India after COVID-19 pandemic.
• A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Pediatrics journal revealed that children reported hyperinflammatory shock with clinical features similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD) after COVID-19 infection in 2020.

Details

About the disease

• Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare disease that causes fever and inflammation of the blood vessels.
• It primarily affects children under the age of 5.
• It causes inflammation in blood vessels (vasculitis), including coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
• Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious heart complications.
• However, most children recover fully within two months with prompt medical intervention.
• Boys are more commonly affected than girls.
• The disorder is named after Japanese pediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described it in 1967.

How Common is Kawasaki Disease?

• In the U.S. and Canada, it affects 10 to 20 children per 100,000 under age 5.
• In India the majority of children continue to remain undiagnosed because of the lack of awareness amongst pediatricians.
• It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries.

Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease

• Feverlasting at least five days.
• Irritabilityand fatigue.
• Red or pink eyes(without discharge).
• Red, cracked lipsand a strawberry tongue.
• Swollen, red hands or feet, followed by peeling skin.
• Rash, primarily on the trunk.
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
• Belly pain, upset stomach, or diarrhea.

Causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but factors like infections, genetics, and environmental triggers are being investigated.
• Kawasaki disease is not contagious.

Treatment

• IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin): Primary treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent heart complications.
• Aspirin: To reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots.
• IV fluids: For hydration.
• Cold compresses: To relieve discomfort.
• For severe cases, other anti-inflammatory medications and anticoagulantsmay be prescribed.

Sources:

FinancialExpress 

PRACTICE QUESTION  Q:  Consider the following statements about Kawasaki disease: 1. It is a syndrome of unknown cause. 2.The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. 3.It is contagious in nature. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a)1 and 2 only b)2 and 3 only c)None d)1, 2 and 3   Answer: a Explanation: 1st statement is correct: Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that results in a fever and mainly affects children under 5 years of age. It is a form of vasculitis, where medium-sized blood vessels become inflamed throughout the body. 2nd statement is correct: The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries, which include the formation of coronary artery aneurysms and myocarditis. 3rd statement is incorrect: It is not known what causes the disease. The immune system may be reacting to an unknown virus or there might be a genetic link in families. There is no way to prevent Kawasaki Disease. It is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another.