What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is an uncommon childhood illness that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. It is most common in children ages 1 to 2 years. It is less common in people older than age 8. It tends to be severe for several days, but then most children return to normal activities. After your child gets better, the doctor will usually watch him or her for heart problems.

The disease is not contagious and occurs most often in the late winter and early spring.

What causes Kawasaki disease?

A specific cause is not yet known. Experts think an infection from a virus or bacteria may be the cause.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:

• A fever lasting at least 5 days.
• Red eyes.
• A body rash.
• Swollen, red lips and tongue.
• Swollen, red feet and hands.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?

Kawasaki disease can be difficult to diagnose. Although there is no specific test for Kawasaki disease, a diagnosis can be made if a child has a fever that lasts at least 5 days and also has four of the five other symptoms listed above. Less often, a diagnosis is made when a child has a fever that has lasted at least 5 days, two or three other symptoms from the list above, and some damage to the heart (coronary artery disease).

How is it treated?

Treatment for Kawasaki disease may include medicine given through a vein (intravenous, or IV, medicine) called immunoglobulin (IVIG) to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels, aspirin therapy to lower the risk of blood clots, and possibly blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent new blood clots.

Is Kawasaki disease serious?

Most children with Kawasaki disease get better and have no long-term effects, even if they do not receive treatment. But treatment shortens the illness and greatly reduces the chances of having problems from Kawasaki disease.

About 1 out of 5 children who are not treated will have damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries). The arteries may get enlarged and form an aneurysm. Or they may narrow or develop blood clots. A child who has this damage may be more likely to have a heart attack as a young adult.