The recurrence rate of Kawasaki disease

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki disease incubation period

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a common pediatric fever and rash illness, primarily a systemic small vessel vasculitis. Kawasaki disease is not contagious, so it has no incubation period; only infectious diseases have incubation periods. If it were contagious, typical manifestations would include persistent high fever, pinpoint appearances around the eyes and mouth, typical rash, swelling of the hands and feet, and non-purulent swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. Therefore, Kawasaki disease has no incubation period and is a vasculitis mediated by immune mechanisms.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki Disease Aspirin Side Effects

Aspirin is necessary for Kawasaki disease. Considering the pros and cons, aspirin must be used in cases of Kawasaki disease, initially in high doses. However, aspirin indeed has side effects. Some say aspirin is contraindicated for children, as its consumption can lead to Reye's Syndrome. This syndrome involves widespread mitochondrial damage following the intake of salicylate drugs during viral infection recovery, posing risks to the liver and brain. Without timely treatment, it could likely lead to liver and kidney failure, brain damage, or even death. Thus, aside from specific diseases, the use of aspirin is strictly prohibited. These specific diseases include Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Therefore, the use of aspirin in Kawasaki disease is necessary, but it can indeed lead to some side effects.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can Kawasaki disease be cured?

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 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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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.