Kawasaki disease

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Baig, Athar | Abuhammour, Walid

Affiliations: Hurley Medical Center, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Flint, MI, USA

Note: [] Correspondence: Walid Abuhammour, MD, FAAP, Hurley Medical Center, Pediatric Education 3W, One Hurley Plaza, Flint, MI 48503, USA. Tel.: +1 810 762 7280; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile multi-system syndrome that is considered one of the most common vasculitides of pediatric age group. It is the leading cause of acquired cardiac disease in developed countries. In the absence of an identifiable etiological agent or diagnostic test, clinical criteria form the basis of diagnosis. High index of suspicion and prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin are necessary to prevent complications. We present a short review of the current state of understanding of Kawasaki disease about its etiopathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and management.

Keywords: Kawasaki disease

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 5-12, 2008