Kawasaki Disease

[beautydenia]

hi everyone, i would like to know more about the pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease? I believe it's an autoimmune disease, is it correct? :bowingpurPlease help me

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hi there:

Kawasaki disease was usually associated with children of Japanese/Korean descent but it can be found in any ethnic group usually affecting kids 5 years of age and under.

Not a really understood disease process and some think it may be due to autoimmune disorder.

Causes problems with cardiovascular system, lymph nodes. Kids usually present with high temp > 5 days, bright red, cracked lips and mucous membranes. Tongue may have white coating or tongue will be beet red along with red palms of the hands and soles of the feet; in addition the palms and soles of the feet may eventually peel; children often present with edema of the feet, hands.

Can lead to myocarditis, pericarditis....So when kid presents with fever > 5 days and above symptoms SHOULD be admitted to Hospital, given IV gamma globulin and high dose aspirin. Many of these children will eventually develop cardiac problems, aneuysms....

Check out www.aafp.org for more information

Ohh.... check out this web-page: www-pediatrics.ucsd.edu/C16/Kawasaki%20Disease/Document%20Library/KD%20outline%202006.doc

athena

[beautydenia]

Thank you so much athena 55, i learned a lot from the info that you gave me. :)