What is Kawasaki Disease?
What is Kawasaki Disease?Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome is an illness that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body and affects babies and young children. Signs may include fever, body rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat.
Kawasaki disease may cause acquired heart disease and lead to serious medical complications. Standard treatment for Kawasaki disease includes using IV (intravenous) immunoglobulin (antibodies) and aspirin to improve symptoms and prevent complications.
Stages of Kawasaki Disease
StagesChildren with Kawasaki disease experience the following three stages from onset of the disease to recovery. The three stages can be described as acute, subacute, and recovery:
- Acute stage lasts 7 to 14 days. Signs include high fever, red eyes, a rash on the main part of the body and genital area, and swelling and redness of the hands and feet. The acute stage ends when the body temperature returns to normal.
- Subacute stage starts when fever ends and other symptoms improve. Patients may have peeling of the fingers and toes during this stage and joint pain and stiffness.
- Recovery (convalescent) stage begins when signs disappear and continues until the child feels well again. This stage is usually 6-8 weeks after the beginning of the disease.
Signs & Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease
SymptomsThe main signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease include:
- Fever higher than 102.2℉ (39℃) for 5 days or more
- Bloodshot (red) eyes without discharge
- Body rash
- Red, swollen tongue and red, dry, cracked lips
- Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
Kawasaki disease may share signs and symptoms with MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) in children. Pediatric care is recommended for children with fever for more than three days accompanied by other symptoms to receive treatment and prevent complications.
What Causes Kawasaki Disease?
CausesThe cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown, and more research is needed to discover the direct cause.
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsSeveral factors may increase the risk of Kawasaki disease in children. The risk factors are:
- Age - Children under five years old have a higher risk of developing Kawasaki disease
- Sex - Kawasaki disease is more common in boys than girls
- Race and ethnic group - Kawasaki disease cases occur around the world. In the United States, children of Asian ethnicity, especially those of Japanese or Korean background, have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at a higher rate than other ethnic groups.
- Season - Most cases occur in the winter and spring
Complications
ComplicationsMost children who receive treatment for Kawasaki disease symptoms recover from the disease without complications. If left untreated, Kawasaki disease complications may include harm to the child’s coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart muscle. It may also lead to acquired heart disease (develops after birth), which can lead to complications, including coronary artery dilatations and aneurysms.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Kawasaki Disease Care
Our team of pediatric specialists treat newborns through young adults with various conditions. With NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital, our medical group offices, and additional access to care through telehealth services, we provide exceptional access to Kawasaki disease care for all patients.
Children also benefit from the collaboration of our experienced and compassionate pediatric teams at Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. Kawasaki disease is a serious illness and our expert doctors are committed to providing the best outcomes to patients, families, and caregivers. Learn more about treatment for Kawasaki disease. Contact us to schedule an appointment.