Description:
Kawasaki disease
(KD) is an acute systemic febrile illness of
unknown etiology, predominantly affecting children under five years of age.
Initially described in 1967 by Tomisaku Kawasaki, it is now the most common
cause of acquired heart disease in children in the developed world. Although
normally self-limiting, KD is associated with a range of complications, the
most important of which is the development of life-threatening coronary artery
abnormalities. This article examines the evidence supporting the concept that
KD is caused by an infectious agent.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the clinical diagnosis of Kawasaki disease
- Outline the treatment methods for Kawasaki disease
- Discuss the epidemiology of Kawasaki disease
Author(s):
Allyson J. Lloyd
Colin Walker
Myra Wilkinson
Launched: 2003