Pediatric Shock: An Uncommon and Underrecognized Etiology

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Kawasaki disease is a recognized vasculitis, but Kawasaki shock syndrome (KSS) is less understood.
• KSS is primarily documented in limited international case studies and single-center reports.

Observation:

• A case of an 11-year-old male in the US presented with multiorgan failure and shock.
• Initial diagnosis was presumed toxic shock, but later revised to Kawasaki shock syndrome.

Findings:

• This case highlights KSS as an underrecognized entity in the United States.
• Literature review supports KSS as a critical diagnosis in pediatric shock.

Implications:

• Pediatric critical care providers should consider KSS in children with unexplained shock.
• Increased awareness and recognition of KSS can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and management of KSS in the US.