KAWASAKI DISEASE
Source: FinancialExpress
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Context
- Kawasaki disease cases among children have increased in India after COVID-19 pandemic.
- A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Pediatrics journal revealed that children reported hyperinflammatory shock with clinical features similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD) after COVID-19 infection in 2020.
Details
About the disease
- Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare disease that causes fever and inflammation of the blood vessels.
- It primarily affects children under the age of 5.
- It causes inflammation in blood vessels (vasculitis), including coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious heart complications.
- However, most children recover fully within two months with prompt medical intervention.
- Boys are more commonly affected than girls.
- The disorder is named after Japanese pediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described it in 1967.
How Common is Kawasaki Disease?
- In the U.S. and Canada, it affects 10 to 20 children per 100,000 under age 5.
- In India the majority of children continue to remain undiagnosed because of the lack of awareness amongst pediatricians.
- It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries.
Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease
- Feverlasting at least five days.
- Irritabilityand fatigue.
- Red or pink eyes(without discharge).
- Red, cracked lipsand a strawberry tongue.
- Swollen, red hands or feet, followed by peeling skin.
- Rash, primarily on the trunk.
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
- Belly pain, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
Causes
- The exact cause is unknown, but factors like infections, genetics, and environmental triggers are being investigated.
- Kawasaki disease is not contagious.
Treatment
- IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin): Primary treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent heart complications.
- Aspirin: To reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots.
- IV fluids: For hydration.
- Cold compresses: To relieve discomfort.
- For severe cases, other anti-inflammatory medications and anticoagulantsmay be prescribed.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Consider the following statements about Kawasaki disease: 1. It is a syndrome of unknown cause. 2.The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. 3.It is contagious in nature. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a)1 and 2 only b)2 and 3 only c)None d)1, 2 and 3
Answer: a Explanation: 1st statement is correct: Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that results in a fever and mainly affects children under 5 years of age. It is a form of vasculitis, where medium-sized blood vessels become inflamed throughout the body. 2nd statement is correct: The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries, which include the formation of coronary artery aneurysms and myocarditis. 3rd statement is incorrect: It is not known what causes the disease. The immune system may be reacting to an unknown virus or there might be a genetic link in families. There is no way to prevent Kawasaki Disease. It is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another. |
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