Kawasaki Disease

Brief Information

Our Experience

Our very own Lily had Kawasaki's late in 2007 so we really do understand what you are going through if your little one has this.

Introduction

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that causes severe fever and inflammation in young children. It primarily affects children under five years of age, and is more common in boys than in girls. The condition was first diagnosed by a Japanese doctor, Tomisaku Kawasaki, in 1967. Kawasaki disease is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

Kawasaki disease can causes a variety of virus-like symptoms, which can sometimes make it difficult for the condition to be diagnosed. There is no singular test or procedure which can confirm the condition. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown.

Although Kawasaki disease cannot be prevented, with prompt and effective treatment, most children will make a full recovery. Some children go on to develop complications, which usually affect the heart. It is these complications that can make Kawasaki a potentially serious condition. Although rare, some children do develop permanent heart problems and, in severe cases, Kawasaki disease can prove fatal. However, most children will have no lasting damage to their heart.

Causes

The cause of Kawasaki disease is not fully understood. The symptoms of the disease are characteristic of a virus. However, Kawasaki disease is not contagious, which means it is unlikely to be caused by a virus alone.

Some research suggests that Kawasaki disease is caused by an unusual, or abnormal, reaction to a common virus, that most people are unaffected by. Other theories suggest that it could be an autoimmune disorder (when the body's immune system attacks its own tissue), or a reaction to chemicals or pollutants. However, no theory has yet to be conclusively proven.

Treatment

Kawasaki disease usually has to be treated in hospital, as it can cause serious complications. It is best for your child to receive treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 10 days from when your child's symptoms first started. If your child's condition is not treated promptly, it will take much longer for them to recover, and they are at a much greater risk of developing complications.

There are two main medicines used to treat Kawsaki disease - aspirin and gammaglobulin. These are outlined below.

Aspirin

If your child has Kawasaki disease, they may be prescribed aspirin. This is one of the few occasions when a child who is aged 16, or under, will be given aspirin. Unless specifically prescribed by your child's doctor, you should never give your child aspirin.

Aspirin is used to treat Kawasaki disease because it is one of the most effective ways of preventing blood clots from forming in your child's bloodstream. It also helps to ease and reduce fever, rash and joint inflammation.

Your child will normally have to receive a high dose of aspirin in order for the medicine to be effective, but their progress will be carefully checked and monitored to ensure that they do not develop side effects to the medication.

Your child may have to continue to take aspirin for six to eight weeks after recovering from their symptoms. This is to help ensure that no blood clots develop during this time. Our Lily did not have this part of the treatment as her liver was already compromised.

Gammaglobulin

Gammaglobulin is a made up of antibodies (the cells in the blood which help fight infection). It is administered through a vein in your child's arm (intravenously). After receiving gammaglobulin, your child's symptoms will usually improve within 24 hours.

Once your child is discharged from hospital, you need to ensure that you make them as comfortable as possible, and keep them well hydrated. This means making sure they get plenty of fluids, ideally water, squash or juice.

Support Groups

If you would like to talk to someone about what your child is going through, you may wish to contact the Kawasaki Syndrome Support Group. You can call them on 024 7661 2178. This group is able to provide you with information about your child's condition, and can also put you in contact with other parents whose children have also had the illness.

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