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Kawasaki disease and its treatment - an update
A K M Mamunur Rashid, Sikder Mohammad Kamal, Md Ashrafuzzaman
1Department of Pediatrics, Khulna Medical College, Khulna-9000, Bangladesh. mamunkmc@yahoo.com.
Insights
Early detection and updated treatment are crucial for Kawasaki disease (KD), a childhood vasculitis. Pediatricians must suspect KD in young children with prolonged fever to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of childhood vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries.
- Its etiology remains unknown, though autoimmunity and genetic factors are implicated.
- KD is often underdiagnosed due to physician unfamiliarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of Kawasaki disease.
- To highlight key aspects of early detection and current treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Synthesis of current information on KD etiology, diagnosis, and management.
Main Results:
- KD is a multisystem vasculitis, second only to Henoch Scholein Purpura in children.
- Early suspicion in febrile children under five is critical.
- Established diagnostic criteria and updated treatment plans significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Increased physician awareness and knowledge are essential for early KD diagnosis.
- Prompt evaluation of children with persistent fever is necessary.
- Timely diagnosis and modern treatment are vital to prevent long-term complications.
Aim:
The aim of this review is to update the knowledge about the Kawasaki disease (KD) which includes the way of early detection and latest treatment plan for the disease.
Method:
A number of literatures were reviewed and latest information about the etiology, diagnosis, laboratory investigation, treatment and outcome of the disease was collected and depicted in the review article.
Result:
Kawasaki disease is a multisystem vasculitis mainly affecting medium sized blood vessels. It is the second most common cause of vasculitis after Henoch Scholein Purpura (HSP) in children. Etiology of the disease is still unknown. Auto-immunity with genetic influence is thought to associate with the disease. Many physicians are ignorant of the disease. The pediatrician must be aware of the disease and suspect this condition in less than 5 year old children presenting with more than 5 days fever. the number of methods on the basis of criteria is set for the diagnosis of the disease. Latest treatment plan is set up for the disease which reduces the morbidity and mortality to a great extent.
Conclusion:
Physicians must have consciousness and comprehensive knowledge for the early suspicion of this disease. Any child presenting with fever for more than 5 days should not be ignored and other criteria of KD have to be evaluated by the physician. Early diagnosis and updated treatment are imperative for the prevention of morbidity and mortality for the disease.
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