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Kawasaki disease: a 'new' pediatric enigma
Hospital Practice
|September 1, 1978
Insights
A mysterious illness, first seen in Japan, now has over 250 US cases. Pediatricians should consider this febrile illness due to potential severe cardiac complications and sudden death risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- A puzzling illness, initially described in Japan, has emerged globally.
- Over 250 cases are now reported in the United States, indicating a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness among pediatricians regarding a specific febrile illness.
- To highlight the potential for severe cardiac complications and delayed mortality.
Main Methods:
- This section is not detailed in the provided abstract.
Main Results:
- The etiology, epidemiology, and true incidence of the illness are currently undetermined.
- Approximately 2% of affected individuals develop severe cardiac complications.
- Sudden death may occur months after apparent recovery in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians must include this entity in the differential diagnosis for prolonged febrile illnesses.
- Early recognition and monitoring are crucial due to the risk of cardiac complications and mortality.
Abstract:
More than 250 cases of this puzzling illness, first described in Japan a decade ago, have now been reported in the United States. The etiology, epidemiology, and true incidence remain to be determined. But since some 2% of victims develop severe cardiac complications and some may die suddenly months after apparent complete recovery, pediatricians must now consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of protracted, febrile illness.