Can Kawasaki disease be cured?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. The primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis. It commonly affects infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years of age. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting condition, and most cases have a good prognosis. However, there is a 1% to 2% chance of recurrence. If not effectively treated, 15% to 25% of cases may develop coronary artery aneurysms. These aneurysms often resolve on their own within two years after the disease, but often leave behind abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and decreased elasticity. Larger aneurysms may not completely resolve and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel. Kawasaki disease is also one of the causes of acquired heart disease in children. Therefore, Kawasaki disease should be treated promptly and effectively to prevent severe complications.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease rash itch?

Kawasaki disease, once called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease of unknown cause and unclear pathogenesis. It is characterized by systemic vasculitis. Clinically, it mainly presents with fever, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, congested oral mucosa, diffuse congestion, strawberry tongue, acute stage swelling and erythema of the hands and feet, polymorphous rash, and scarlet fever-like skin rash. It is often associated with unilateral or bilateral lymphadenopathy, which is not red on the surface, but the lymph nodes are hard and tender to the touch. It frequently involves complications such as myocarditis or pericarditis, with common coronary artery damage. The rash seen in Kawasaki disease is a manifestation of vasculitis and is generally non-itchy.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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How long does Kawasaki disease require hospitalization?

Kawasaki disease requires hospitalization and continued medication after discharge. The duration of the hospital stay is mainly determined by the child's clinical symptoms. The child can return home when the fever subsides and the dosage of aspirin is reduced, which may take about four to seven days, although this is just a general scenario. After discharge, medication must continue. If the child's coronary arteries are fine, with no dilation or lesions, a low dose of aspirin can be taken for about two months. If there are issues with the coronary arteries, aspirin must be continuously taken until the dilation resolves before stopping the aspirin, so this period can be quite long.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is Kawasaki disease prone to recurrence?

Kawasaki disease is a common pediatric febrile, rash-causing illness, and once diagnosed, treatment must begin actively. Most cases of Kawasaki disease have a very good prognosis with standard treatment, but about 5% of children may experience temporary coronary artery abnormalities, and the recurrence rate of Kawasaki disease can reach 1% to 3%. Therefore, once a child is diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, it is essential to conduct follow-up throughout the treatment process. Follow-ups should be done at three months, six months, and one year after the onset of the disease in new cases. The purpose of the follow-up is mainly to assess the child's prognosis and evaluate the coronary arteries to see if there is any recurrence, so this follow-up work is very important.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease cause a rash on the face?

The pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is unclear, and the main pathological change is systemic vasculitis. Typically, the rash is a polymorphic erythema or a scarlatiniform rash, primarily occurring on the trunk. Generally, facial rashes are rare, but it's not entirely impossible for rashes to appear on the face. Therefore, if a baby develops a rash on the face without other infections, Kawasaki disease might also present this symptom.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Why do children get Kawasaki disease?

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.