Patient education: Kawasaki disease (The Basics)

What is Kawasaki disease? — Kawasaki disease causes inflammation in certain blood vessels in the body. The main symptoms are fever, and swelling and redness in the areas with inflammation, such as the eyes, lips, hands, and feet. The illness can start with symptoms similar to a cold or stomach bug. It is most common in children younger than 5 years old.

What causes Kawasaki disease? — The cause is not known. But doctors don't think it spreads from person to person.

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease? — The symptoms include:

●Fever

●Redness in the white part of the eye

●Cracked, red lips

●A red, swollen tongue

●A rash – The rash often starts in the genital area. It can also be on the back, chest, belly, arms, and legs.

●Swollen glands in the neck

●Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The skin of the fingertips and toes peels after several days.

In rare cases, children who get sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can develop inflammation throughout the body. Doctors call this "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children." It can cause organ damage if it is not treated quickly. The symptoms of this condition can be similar to Kawasaki disease.

Is there a test for Kawasaki disease? — Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if your child has Kawasaki disease by learning about their symptoms and doing an exam. Children with Kawasaki disease usually need a few tests, too. These can include:

●A blood test

●A urine test

●An ultrasound of the heart ("echocardiogram") – This test creates pictures of the heart as it beats.

How is Kawasaki disease treated? — Treatments for Kawasaki disease include:

●Immune globulin (also called IVIG) – This treatment goes into a vein through a thin tube, called an "IV." This is done in a hospital over a period of 8 to 12 hours.

●Aspirin

If your child gets IVIG, they might not be able to get certain vaccines (such as for measles or chicken pox) for at least a year. That's because the vaccines might not work as well during this time to prevent disease.

In some children, IVIG might not work as well. These children might be treated with steroids along with IVIG and aspirin. These are not the same as the steroids some athletes take illegally.

Children with Kawasaki disease who don't get treatment are at risk for heart problems. That's because they can have swelling of the blood vessels in the heart. But only a few children have lasting heart damage from Kawasaki disease.