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Kawasaki disease: an update
Author(s) -
Nasr I.,
Tometzki A. J. P.,
Schofield O. M. V.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2001.00749.x
Subject(s) - kawasaki disease , medicine , exanthem , aspirin , disease , etiology , superantigen , vasculitis , pediatrics , immunology , dermatology , intensive care medicine , pathology , surgery , immune system , artery , t cell
Kawasaki disease is one of the commonest vasculitides seen in children. It presents with prolonged fever and a polymorphic exanthem. It is a major cause of acquired heart disease in western society. Its exact cause is not known, but exposure to a superantigen has been suggested as a possible aetiological factor. Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease still relies on clinical criteria ( Table 1) and investigations are done mainly to exclude other diseases and to detect early or established cardiac complications. Coronary complications can be reduced significantly by the use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy combined with oral aspirin. The serious consequences of Kawasaki disease require a heightened awareness of this condition when dealing with childhood exanthems. 1 Diagnostic guidelines for KD. Centres for Disease Control, 1985Fever of 5 days or more without other explanation and at least
four of the five following criteria: * 1. Polymorphic exanthem 2. Changes of peripheral extremities: Acute phase: erythema and/or indurative oedema of the
palms and soles Convalescent phase: desquamation from finger tips 3. Bilateral nonexudative conjunctival injection 4. Changes in the oropharynx: injected or fissured lips;
′strawberry tongue', injected pharynx 5. Acute nonsuppurative cervical lymphadenopathy (> 1.5 cm
in diameter)*Patients with fewer than four of these signs can be diagnosed as atypical KD if coronary artery abnormalities are present.