How many days does it take to be discharged from the hospital for Kawasaki disease?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Kawasaki disease is a disease with unclear pathogenesis and etiology. A major pathological change is systemic vasculitis, which commonly affects the coronary arteries. Typically, it presents with fever lasting from seven to fourteen days or longer, and antibiotics are ineffective in treatment. During the first through sixth weeks of the illness, complications such as pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and arrhythmias may occur. Coronary artery damage often occurs between the second and fourth weeks of the illness, and proactive and effective treatment of Kawasaki disease can prevent coronary complications. The acute phase generally involves symptomatic supportive care, prevention of platelet aggregation, fever reduction, and prevention of coronary artery damage. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin is recommended within the first ten days of onset. If the treatment is not effective, other special medications like steroids may be used, and the treatment duration is generally between two to four weeks. Thus, the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is uncertain, and its pathological process is prolonged. The specific timing of discharge depends on the child's condition. If the fever is controlled and no significant coronary artery damage is evident, and the condition is stable, then discharge is possible. However, post-discharge, follow-up should be conducted based on the child's specific condition. Therefore, the duration of hospitalization for Kawasaki disease is not fixed and depends on the child's condition and treatment response.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is IgE high in Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. It is speculated that certain components of infectious sources, such as superantigens, can activate CD30 T cells and CD40 ligand expression directly by binding with T cell antigen receptor fragments without going through mononuclear macrophages. Under the induction of carrier cells, there is polyclonal activation and reduced apoptosis of B08 cells, resulting in the production of large amounts of immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE, and cytokines. Therefore, the IgE levels in Kawasaki disease are elevated.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease cause coughing?

Kawasaki disease has an unclear pathogenesis, primarily manifesting as systemic vasculitis, frequently affecting the coronary arteries. Clinically, it is characterized by fever, typically a high fever lasting seven to fourteen days, and is unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. Other symptoms include conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, diffuse oral congestion, and strawberry tongue. In the acute phase, there might be hard edema and erythema development, with polymorphous erythema and scarlatiniform rash typically on the trunk. Additionally, unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness can occur. Generally, coughing is rare and may be due to other infections like upper respiratory infections in children with weaker immunity.

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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 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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How is Kawasaki disease treated?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, can cause damage to the coronary arteries in untreated children, so it is crucial to treat the disease promptly once diagnosed. This disease generally occurs sporadically or in small outbreaks and can occur in any season, predominantly affecting infants and young children. The main treatment for Kawasaki disease is aspirin, which not only reduces fever but also helps reduce coronary artery lesions. Additionally, intravenous immunoglobulin is administered; however, the use of corticosteroids in Kawasaki disease is still somewhat controversial. Other treatments mainly include antiplatelet aggregation agents such as dipyridamole, and symptomatic supportive care for the child, including fluid supplementation, heart protection, control of heart failure, and correction of arrhythmias. For severe coronary artery lesions, coronary artery bypass surgery may be required. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)