Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of blood vessel inflammation in children, which can have serious consequences, particularly for the heart. This condition often begins with seemingly common symptoms such as fever and a rash, so it often goes unrecognized early.
Therefore, prompt and appropriate treatment in the early stages is crucial to prevent long-term complications, particularly those related to the child's heart health.
Understanding Kawasaki Disease as Inflammation of Blood Vessels in Children
Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition that affects blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries in the heart. It often occurs in children under 5 years of age.
The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown. However, experts suspect a genetic factor, and the risk is known to be higher in boys of Asian ethnicity.
Although Kawasaki disease is not contagious, it is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment by medical personnel.
Early Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease That Parents Need to Watch Out For
Kawasaki disease symptoms often resemble common infections. Therefore, parents should be especially alert for the following signs:
- High fever up to 39-40°C that lasts more than 5 days and does not improve with fever-reducing medication.
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge or mucus.
- Lips are dry, chapped, and look reddish.
- The tongue is bright red with a strawberry-like surface (strawberry tongue).
- A skin rash that can appear on various parts of the body.
- Swelling and redness of the palms of the hands and feet.
- The skin on the tips of the fingers and toes may peel.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
These symptoms of Kawasaki disease are an important signal to immediately carry out further examination.
Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Process to Reduce Inflammation and Prevent Blood Vessel Damage
Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis
To confirm Kawasaki disease, the doctor will take the following steps:
- A physical examination is an important first step in assessing the typical signs of Kawasaki disease.
- Blood tests are performed to detect signs of inflammation, such as increased white blood cell count, CRP, and ESR.
- Echocardiography is used to evaluate the condition of the coronary arteries and detect any widening or aneurysms.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed to assess the electrical activity of the heart and detect any rhythm disturbances.
- Urine tests can help detect any accompanying inflammation or infection.
Kawasaki Disease Treatment
Early treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of complications. Common therapies include:
- Administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to suppress the inflammatory response.
- Aspirin may be given under a doctor's supervision to help reduce inflammation and fever.
Risk of Kawasaki Disease Complications in the Heart
If Kawasaki disease is not treated properly, it can cause various serious complications, especially in the heart, such as:
- Coronary artery aneurysm: A widening of a heart blood vessel that can increase the risk of rupture or interruption of blood flow.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the coronary blood vessels that can interfere with oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the protective lining of the heart that can cause heart dysfunction, low blood pressure, and even death.
- Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery that can potentially block blood flow to the heart.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle that can weaken the heart's function and ability to pump blood.
These complications can have long-term impacts on a child's heart health, even into adulthood.
When Should Parents Immediately Take Their Child to the Doctor?
Parents should immediately take their child to the doctor if they experience a high fever that lasts for more than five days without an obvious cause. Caution is needed if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as red eyes without discharge, a skin rash, dry and chapped lips, and swelling of the hands and feet. These symptoms can indicate Kawasaki disease, which requires early diagnosis and medical treatment. Prompt examination by a pediatrician is crucial to confirm the child's condition and prevent the risk of serious complications, particularly those related to heart health.
This article was written by Prof. Dr. dr. Najib Advani, Sp. A(K), MMed (Paed) (Pediatric Cardiologist and also a Specialist Doctor for Kawasaki Disease Treatment at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).