Why do children get Kawasaki disease?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
00:00
00:00

Kawasaki disease has an unclear pathogenesis. It is speculated that it may be related to infections by microorganisms or other pathogens, familial genetic susceptibility, or autoimmune functions. Currently, the entire medical history is unclear, and there is no specific epidemiology identified for the onset of the disease; it can occur in any of the four seasons. The disease primarily affects infants and young children, with about 80% of cases occurring in children under five years of age. The ratio of male to female incidence is approximately 1.5:1. Thus, Kawasaki disease is most commonly seen in infants and young children. Currently, there is no definitive explanation for the mechanism of the disease.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Does Kawasaki disease cause a runny nose?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, primarily presents with repeated high fevers that do not respond to antibiotics, conjunctival congestion, diffuse oral congestion, chapped and congested lips, polymorphic erythema and scarlatiniform rashes on the skin, and unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, but studies suggest that respiratory or gastrointestinal infections may be common prodromal symptoms, indicating that the onset might be related to infections, though no contagious phenomena have been identified to date. Kawasaki disease might show prodromal signs such as upper respiratory infections, characterized by symptoms like a runny nose and cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which suggests that a runny nose might be a manifestation of Kawasaki disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
46sec home-news-image

What should be paid attention to in the diet for Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a type of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, and its main pathological change is systemic vasculitis. Its main characteristics include persistent fever, high fever, ineffective antibiotic treatment, followed by the appearance of a skin rash on the mucous membranes, accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. When Kawasaki disease occurs, there is a high fever, so it is suggested that children with Kawasaki disease should consume a diet high in protein, calories, and fiber, which is light and easily digestible in liquid or semi-liquid form. Spicy, overly hard, and overly hot foods should be avoided.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
42sec home-news-image

Is Kawasaki disease contagious?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, currently has unclear pathogenic mechanisms and the causes of the disease are not well defined. One of its main pathological changes is systemic vasculitis, including the coronary arteries. The disease occurs sporadically or in small epidemics, can happen in any season without clear seasonality, and is generally more common in infants and young children, with eighty percent under five years of age. Kawasaki disease is not a contagious disease, so it does not have significant contagiousness.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
53sec home-news-image

The recurrence rate of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a type of pediatric autoimmune disease that commonly affects infants and young children, especially those under the age of five. The exact mechanisms and causes of the disease are still unclear. The primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis, frequently affecting the coronary arteries. The recurrence rate of Kawasaki disease is between 1%-3%, with a few cases experiencing three or even four occurrences. The interval between recurrences ranges from three months to one year, averaging one year and five months. Studies have shown that being younger than three years old at the time of the first episode and having vascular damage are risk factors for recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
59sec home-news-image

Kawasaki disease sequelae

Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis, and since it is vasculitis, it can originate from blood vessels in various parts, including the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and more. However, it mainly arises from the coronary arteries of the heart. If Kawasaki disease is not effectively treated, some patients can develop coronary artery dilation and even coronary artery aneurysms. Once a coronary artery aneurysm occurs, its complication includes the risk of rupture and bleeding of the aneurysm, which can be difficult to treat if there is severe bleeding. If there is some coronary artery dilation, it can lead to the formation of coronary artery thrombosis, which is also a complication it can cause. However, the vast majority of Kawasaki disease cases, if treated effectively, can prevent coronary artery abnormalities. Therefore, as long as the treatment is timely, most cases will not have significant lasting effects.