Refractory Kawasaki disease: diagnostic and management challenges

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Sophie Duignan1,2, Sarah L Doyle2, Colin J McMahon1,2

  • 1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin 12, Ireland.

Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics
|December 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. This review covers KD diagnosis, treatment resistance, and emerging therapies for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease (KD) is the primary cause of acquired heart disease in children globally.
  • It is characterized by acute, self-limiting vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease.
  • To explore methods for predicting treatment resistance in KD.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies for refractory or high-risk KD cases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Kawasaki disease diagnosis and management.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes for standard and alternative therapies.
  • Examination of ongoing research and clinical trials.

Main Results:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for preventing cardiac complications.
  • Identifying predictors of resistance aids in timely escalation of therapy.
  • Novel therapeutic approaches show promise for managing complex KD cases.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of Kawasaki disease requires accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
  • Further research is essential to improve outcomes, particularly for children with resistant disease.
  • Understanding KD pathogenesis may lead to more targeted therapies.

Keywords:
Kawasakianeurysmarteritiscoronaryinflammationvasculitis

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