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Kawasaki’s disease

Evidence: Immune-mediated

Names

Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki Syndrome
Lymph Node Syndrome
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome

Description

Kawasaki's Disease is a rare disorder with sudden onset resulting in fever and inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis).  This inflammation restricts blood flow and damages vital organs and tissues, leading to heart disease.  Patients are predominantly children. 

The cause of Kawasaki’s Disease is uncertain but is believed to be autoimmune.  Patients who do not suffer damage to the coronary arteries (ex. aneurysms) are expected to heal completely.  Patients who do suffer aneurysms are at greater risk of complications and heart failure, but many can be expected to recover within 2 years.  Relapse is uncommon.  Short-term and long-term treatments and procedures that protect the heart and coronary arteries are available.

Prevalence

US Cases: 30,000 - 65,000 [Modesti & Plewa 2019]

Typical Age of onset

Affects children from 5 months to 5 years old.

Symptoms

Early Stages:

  • Persisting fever

  • Bloodshot eyes

  • Swollen lymph nodes 

  • Swollen hands and feet

  • Red palms and soles of feet

  • Red, dry, cracked swollen lips

  • Rash on the torso and groin

  • Swollen tongue which looks shiny and bright with red spots

  • Possible heart problems

Later Stages:

  • Peeling skin on hands and feet

  • Temporary arthritis or joint pain

  • Temporary hearing loss

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Enlarged gallbladder, liver or spleen 

  • Abdominal pain