Kawasaki Disease


Kawasaki Disease occurs mainly in children characterized by inflammation of medium sized arteries throughout the body. The inflammation affects the coronary arteries, the arteries supplying the heart muscles. Also known as muco cutaneous lymph gland syndrome as the lymph glands around the skin and the mucous membranes around the mouth swell. Initially, there is high grade fever, red eyes, rash on the body, red tongue, cracked lips, swollen red skin on the palms with peeling of skin. This may be followed by diarrhea, vomiting. There is accompanied joint pains. In very rare cases Corona infection may be followed by Kawasaki Disease. Boys under 5 years of age are more likely to get affected.


According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla a child specialist in Karachi, complications include inflammation of the coronary arteries that supply the heart, inflammation of the heart muscles or inflammation of heart valves. Inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to weakening of the arteries and bulging of the artery walls leading to formation of aneurysm.  This can therefore lead to formation of blood clots leading to heart attacks which can be life threatening.

Treatment should begin as soon as possible. Intravenous immunoglobulins are given to prevent the inflammation as well as aspirin by mouth. Majority of the cases are treatable and very few develop complications.

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