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PEDIATRIC SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Kawasaki Disease

Find a Kawasaki disease specialist

How is Kawasaki Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Currently, there are no specific tests to diagnose Kawasaki disease. Diagnosing Kawasaki disease requires ruling out other diseases that may cause similar signs and symptoms.

To diagnose your child with Kawasaki disease, a pediatrician will perform a physical examination to confirm that the following typical signs of Kawasaki disease are present:

  • Primary symptom: Fever higher than 102.2℉ (39℃) for at least five days or more
  • Secondary symptoms: At least four of the following signs and symptoms:
    • Bloodshot (red) eyes without discharge
    • Body rash
    • Red, swollen tongue and red, dry lips
    • Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The pediatrician may also order blood and urine tests to help rule out other diseases and possibly additional tests. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Echocardiogram - This test uses ultrasound images to show the heart and can help identify problems with the coronary arteries
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – May identify damage to the heart or problems with the heart's rhythm

How is Kawasaki Disease Treated?

Treatment

Initial treatment

Kawasaki disease is treated in a hospital where doctors can monitor the child. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (a solution of antibodies), and aspirin are the main medicines used to treat Kawasaki disease.

  • Gamma globulin - Infusion of an immune protein (gamma globulin) through a vein (intravenously or IV) used to reduce inflammation in blood vessels and lower the risk of coronary artery problems
  • Aspirin – Prescribed for children who have Kawasaki disease under the supervision of a health care provider. Initially, aspirin is given at a higher dose and after the fever goes down, the dosage is lowered.
    • High dose of aspirin - Helps treat inflammation, lower fever, and reduce pain and joint inflammation
    • Low dose of aspirin - Prescribed to reduce the risk of developing blood clots after fever subsides

​​Aspirin is usually not given to children because it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition in children. Because of this risk, aspirin is given to children with Kawasaki disease only under the supervision of a health care provider.

After Treatment

After your child is discharged from the hospital, your healthcare provider will provide recommendations for your child’s continued care at home. The child should continue taking any prescribed medicines. Full recovery could take around six to eight weeks after the disease started.

Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the heart and confirm that there are no additional complications. Additional treatment for Kawasaki disease may be necessary if a child develops complications.

FAQs

FAQs

Kawasaki disease is not contagious, and it cannot be passed from one person to another. Although the symptoms of Kawasaki disease are similar to those of an infection, so far, a bacterial or viral cause has not been identified.

Currently, there are no known ways to prevent Kawasaki disease. Because the causes of Kawasaki disease are unknown there are no known foods to avoid or other ways to prevent the disease.

Kawasaki disease can harm the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart muscle. If not treated, the heart complications of Kawasaki disease are serious and may be fatal in 2 to 3% of cases. Most children who are treated promptly recover from the disease without complications.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Kawasaki Disease Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, our team of pediatric specialists provides comprehensive treatment of babies and children with Kawasaki disease using the latest approaches for their complete care.

It is important to learn about signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease, for early diagnosis and treatment of the condition to avoid potential complications. NewYork-Presbyterian provides advanced and compassionate care for children with autoimmune, inflammatory, and rheumatic conditions and advanced, personalized care through our pediatric rheumatology programs. Contact us to schedule an appointment.