How many days can Kawasaki disease be cured?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, the cause of which is unclear, as is the pathogenesis of the disease. The pathological changes are mainly systemic vasculitis, which is prone to secondary damage to the coronary arteries. It has a relatively long course. If fever occurs, the fever can persist for 1-2 weeks. Generally, special medications such as aspirin are required for treatment. Usually, treatment is for 3 days, and after the fever subsides, the dosage is gradually reduced, maintained for 6-8 weeks. If there is secondary coronary artery damage, the duration might be longer. In cases of severe coronary damage, the duration of the disease may be several months or even years, depending on the specific condition of the disease. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease. Usually, if there is no significant coronary artery damage, after symptom control, comprehensive examinations are conducted 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, mainly heart examinations such as electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. If there is a combination of coronary artery aneurysms, long-term follow-up is required, with an examination every six months to one year until the coronary aneurysm disappears or if there is combined damage to the coronary artery structure, long-term follow-up is needed.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long to take aspirin for Kawasaki disease

The current pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is not yet clear, but one of its main pathological changes is a systemic vasculitis. During an outbreak of Kawasaki disease, the blood viscosity increases primarily due to platelet aggregation. Typically, oral aspirin is administered to prevent this inflammation and to treat platelet aggregation. The dosage is generally reduced gradually once the fever subsides, with maintenance doses lasting about six to eight weeks. If coronary artery lesions are present, the duration of medication is extended until the coronary arteries return to normal before discontinuing the drug.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is Kawasaki disease serious?

Kawasaki disease is an etiologically unclear disease with a not well-understood pathogenesis. The principal pathological change involves inflammatory changes in the systemic blood vessels, which can affect the coronary arteries and lead to coronary artery aneurysms and dilation. Kawasaki disease is self-limiting, and most cases resolve well, with recurrences seen in 1-2% of cases. For patients without coronary artery lesions, comprehensive examinations are required 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, including physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms, mainly to assess the heart's condition. If not effectively treated, 15-20% may develop coronary artery aneurysms; such cases need semi-annual or annual medical check-ups. Coronary artery aneurysms often self-resolve within two years post-diagnosis, typically leaving functional abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and reduced elasticity. Major artery aneurysms often do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children; therefore, if Kawasaki disease is accompanied by severe coronary damage, it may heal well but could lead to heart disease. If it is not a severe case of Kawasaki disease, timely treatment can still result in a good recovery.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How to alleviate vomiting in Kawasaki disease

When children with Kawasaki disease experience vomiting, the first step is to refrain from eating and drinking, including water, for one to two hours after vomiting to avoid burdening the stomach and intestines. If vomiting subsides after fasting, there is no need for medication temporarily. However, if there is no significant relief and bloating is evident, it is necessary to treat for bowel movement and gas release. At this time, oral medications that aid in digestion, such as digestive tonics, are acceptable. If relief is still not achieved, intravenous fluid supplementation and medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility can be administered. Parents can also keep the abdomen warm and, centering around the navel, perform clockwise abdominal massages to help alleviate the symptoms of vomiting.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki Disease and Purpura Differences

The clinical manifestations of Kawasaki disease include fever lasting more than five days, ineffective antibiotic treatment, rashes, transient swelling of the cervical lymph nodes, conjunctival congestion, strawberry tongue, cracked lips, hard swelling of fingers and toes, and desquamation around the nails and anal region during the recovery phase. Allergic purpura is mainly manifested by rashes, which are generally hemorrhagic rashes below the buttocks, symmetrical on the lower limbs, raised above the skin surface, and usually without fever. Besides rashes, allergic purpura can also involve joint pain, abdominal pain, or allergic purpuric nephritis among other conditions.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should not be eaten with Kawasaki disease?

One of the main pathological changes in Kawasaki disease is systemic vasculitis. Clinically, common symptoms include fever, high fever, recurrent fever, conjunctival congestion, significant oral mucosal congestion, strawberry tongue, enlargement of neck lymph nodes, and peeling of the hands and feet. In cases of Kawasaki disease, oral mucosal congestion is a common complication, hence during the period of Kawasaki disease, it is advised not to consume irritating, spicy, or hot foods. These might exacerbate the child's discomfort, affect their nutrient absorption, and potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, during the illness, it is preferable to focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods.