By: Ingrid Butler

KAWASAKI SYNDROME (KS)

A.K.A.KAWASAKI DISEASE

WHAT IS KAWASAKI DISEASE??

Kawasaki disease is a rare, but serious illness  that involves inflammation of

the blood vessels and can affect lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous

membranes inside the mouth, nose and throat. If left untreated too long it can lead to serious complications that can affect the heart. Its cause is unknown.

HISTORY OF DISEASE• First described in Japan in the 1967

medical literature by Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese pediatrician.

• In 1976 the first cases outside of Japan were reported in Hawaii.

• Now occurs worldwide, but highest incidence in Japan

• Has yet to be eradicated

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS• Begins with a fever lasting 5 days or more• Other symptoms include:

• Bloodshot red eyes

• Red, dry, or cracked lips

• Swollen, red palms of the hands and the soles of the feet

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Rash

• Irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat

SECOND STAGE

• Peeling of the skin on the hands and feet

• Joint pain

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

INTERVENTIONS• Best to start within 10 days

of fever beginning• Include:

• High doses of IV gamma globulin

• High doses of aspirin

THERE ARE NO KNOWN WAYS TO PREVENT THIS!!!

**No immunizations available

PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE RATES

• Incidence rate of 9 to 19 per 100,000 children younger than 5 years of age*

• 3277 out of 4248 hospitalizations were for children < 5 years of age*

• 4040 out of 5447 hospitalizations were for children < 5 years of age in 2009

*population-based and hospitalization studies as of 2013*estimated among children younger than 18 years of age in the United States in 2000

MORTALITY RATESThere are no direct deaths

associated with this disease, but about 1 in 100 patients die from heart

problems caused by the disease.

INTEREST GROUPS• Kawasaki Disease Foundation

• The only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to addressing Kawasaki Disease issues.

• Kawasaki Disease Research Program• A medical historical investigation of KD that was

initiated in the spring of 1998 to uncover useful clues in the search for an etiology of Kawasaki disease.

SUMMARYAlthough Kawasaki Disease is rare, it is a very serious

illness that people should be aware of. Even though death is not associated with the disease, if left untreated long

enough heart problems could arise, therefore causing death. What makes this disease even more dangerous is the fact

that its cause is unknown therefore no methods of prevention are available. Therefore, the best way to protect children from this disease is to know the signs and be able

to seek treatment in a timely manner. Hopefully, in time research will provide answers to what causes Kawasaki

Disease and ways to prevent it.

REFERENCES• Kawasaki Disease Foundation. (2014, January 1). Retrieved September 30, 2014, from

http://www.kdfoundation.org/

• Kawasaki disease: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2013, April 20). Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000989.htm

• Clute, J. (2014, September 1). Kawasaki Disease. Retrieved September 29, 2014, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/kawasaki.html#

• Kawasaki Syndrome. (2013, December 13). Retrieved September 30, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/kawasaki/

• Kawasaki disease. (2014, February 15). Retrieved September 30, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kawasaki-disease/basics/treatment/con-20024663

• Kawasaki Disease Research Program. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2014, from http://www.emory.edu/CHCS/p_histmed_Kawasaki.htm