Does Kawasaki disease affect lifespan?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has an unclear pathogenesis. Its pathological changes primarily involve a systemic circulatory disease characterized by vasculitis. A severe complication can lead to cardiac lesions. Generally, Kawasaki disease is self-limiting and most cases have a good prognosis. However, if Kawasaki disease is not effectively treated and results in associated coronary artery aneurysms or large artery aneurysms, it could lead to acquired heart disease. Such cardiac issues could potentially affect cardiac function later on. This might impact lifespan, but if Kawasaki disease is treated aggressively and effectively, the prognosis is good and the impact on future health is minimal.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Is Kawasaki disease characterized by eye discharge?

Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis that can affect blood vessels throughout the body and various organs, but the most severe impact is typically on the coronary arteries, which can lead to dilation of the coronary arteries or the possibility of forming coronary artery aneurysms. The disease can cause conjunctival congestion, but this is a manifestation of aseptic conjunctivitis, meaning it does not cause, nor does it result in, purulent secretions, in other words, it does not cause eye discharge. Therefore, if a patient with Kawasaki disease has purulent eye discharge, it is possible that they have a concurrent bacterial conjunctivitis. Thus, generally, eyes affected by Kawasaki disease do not have eye discharge but may appear dry and red.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Does Kawasaki disease cause a rash on the face?

The pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease is unclear, and the main pathological change is systemic vasculitis. Typically, the rash is a polymorphic erythema or a scarlatiniform rash, primarily occurring on the trunk. Generally, facial rashes are rare, but it's not entirely impossible for rashes to appear on the face. Therefore, if a baby develops a rash on the face without other infections, Kawasaki disease might also present this symptom.

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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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Is Kawasaki disease easy to treat?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a self-limiting disease but is an acute systemic vasculitis commonly seen in infants and children under the age of 5. The primary clinical manifestations include non-suppurative cervical lymphadenopathy, oral mucosal lesions, conjunctival congestion, prolonged fever, polymorphous rash, and hard swelling of the hands and feet with fingertip desquamation. Cardiovascular damage is the most severe complication of Kawasaki disease and can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and coronary artery dilation. If Kawasaki disease is not treated promptly, the incidence of developing coronary artery aneurysms is 15%-25%, making Kawasaki disease one of the most common causes of acquired heart disease in infants and young children. Therefore, timely treatment of Kawasaki disease is crucial, generally involving anti-inflammatory treatment, immune support, and symptomatic management. If there is no concomitant coronary artery damage, treatment involves symptomatic management. If there is coronary artery damage, the treatment duration will be longer and regular follow-up is necessary. The course of the disease can extend over months or even years, thus treatment of Kawasaki disease needs to be tailored based on the individual's condition and clinical symptoms.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is it normal for Kawasaki disease to have a lower temperature?

The etiology of Kawasaki disease is currently unclear; its primary pathological feature is systemic vascular inflammation. Kawasaki disease typically presents with fever, high fevers ranging from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. If a patient with Kawasaki disease has a lower temperature, it may indicate that the condition is quite severe. For example, children generally have weaker immune systems, or if they have a severe co-infection, hypothermia may occur. In this case, it is recommended that doctors perform further examinations and intensify treatment. Therefore, a lower temperature in Kawasaki disease is also abnormal. Normally, the body temperature should gradually return to the normal range, and both hypothermia and hyperthermia are definitely abnormal conditions.