Kawasaki Disease and its Diagnosis

Abstract

Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, or Kawasaki disease, is a febrile, exanthematous disease of children that has potentially fatal complications. The most important complication is the development of aneurysms in the coronary arteries, which may thrombose or occasionally, rupture and cause severe morbidity or death. Criteria for the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease have been developed that may help the clinician make the diagnosis and prevent complications. The major criteria include fever, skin eruption, ocular changes, oral changes, changes in the extremities, and lymphadenopathy. Prognosis may be evaluated by the clinical picture and cardiac work-up with echocardiogram.

Thrombocytopenia in Kawasaki Disease: A Risk Factor for the Development of Coronary Artery Aneurysms

“…Thrombocytosis is a characteristic, though nonspecific, feature of KD [1][2][3]. However, Hara et al [7] noted thrombocytopenia in 10 of 486 patients with KD (2%), and Niwa et al [13] found 10 such cases out of 303 affected young children (3.3%).…”

“…The diagnosis is supported by laboratory findings of thrombocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. According to some authors, thrombocytosis develops in virtually all patients with KD [2]. However, a minority of KD patients (1-2%) may exhibit a significant decrease in platelet count [3].…”

Anterior Uveitis

“…19-6A), oral mucosal erythema (Fig. 74 Anterior uveitis has also been noted in many patients with this disorder. 74 Anterior uveitis has also been noted in many patients with this disorder.…”

Skin diseases described in Japan 2004

“…The differential diagnosis of Kawasaki disease includes toxic shock syndrome, scarlet fever, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, erythema multiforme, drug allergy, and collagen‐vascular disease. Criteria have been developed to establish the diagnosis [76]. No specific form of treatment is available, but early aspirin [77] and intravenous gamma globulin [78] therapy may reduce complications.…”