Can Kawasaki disease heal itself?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on February 07, 2025
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Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease with unclear etiology and unclear pathogenesis. It commonly affects infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years old, and the male to female incidence ratio being 1.5:1. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease, and most cases have a good prognosis. Recurrences are seen in 1%-2% of affected children. Children without coronary artery lesions also need a comprehensive physical examination, generally recommended at one month, three months, six months, and annually or biannually for up to two years, including physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. Without effective treatment, 15%-20% of affected children may develop coronary artery aneurysms, and they should be closely followed long-term, with follow-up every six to twelve months. Coronary artery aneurysms often resolve themselves within two years after the disease, but often leave behind abnormalities such as thickened vessel walls and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms often do not completely resolve and may lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is also a cause of acquired heart disease, so timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent cardiac issues. Once Kawasaki disease develops, it is advised to seek prompt hospital treatment to manage the condition effectively.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What is Kawasaki disease? Is it contagious?

Kawasaki disease is a common pediatric febrile rash disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It is a systemic vasculitis syndrome mediated by immune mechanisms. Kawasaki disease may be caused by acute immune dysregulation due to infectious factors, and genetic factors may be related to the acute onset of the disease. Therefore, Kawasaki disease is not contagious, and contact with children with Kawasaki disease will not lead to transmission. Kawasaki disease generally occurs in infants and young children, and there is no clear seasonal pattern to its occurrence, nor significant gender differences.

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home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 45sec home-news-image

Can Kawasaki disease heal itself?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease with unclear etiology and unclear pathogenesis. It commonly affects infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years old, and the male to female incidence ratio being 1.5:1. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease, and most cases have a good prognosis. Recurrences are seen in 1%-2% of affected children. Children without coronary artery lesions also need a comprehensive physical examination, generally recommended at one month, three months, six months, and annually or biannually for up to two years, including physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. Without effective treatment, 15%-20% of affected children may develop coronary artery aneurysms, and they should be closely followed long-term, with follow-up every six to twelve months. Coronary artery aneurysms often resolve themselves within two years after the disease, but often leave behind abnormalities such as thickened vessel walls and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms often do not completely resolve and may lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is also a cause of acquired heart disease, so timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent cardiac issues. Once Kawasaki disease develops, it is advised to seek prompt hospital treatment to manage the condition effectively.

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home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

Kawasaki disease causes

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an immune-mediated systemic vasculitis syndrome and a relatively common pediatric febrile rash disease. To date, the etiology of Kawasaki disease is not entirely clear. Extensive epidemiological and clinical observations suggest that Kawasaki disease may be an acute immune dysregulation caused by infectious factors. Genetic factors are also related to the occurrence of Kawasaki disease. Various bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, and their metabolic products, such as superantigens produced by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, are also related to the development of Kawasaki disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 26sec home-news-image

How long does it take to cure Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, has unclear etiology and pathogenesis. The primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis, frequently affecting the coronary arteries. Kawasaki disease is considered a self-limiting condition, with most cases having a good prognosis; recurrence occurs in 1% to 2% of affected children. If associated with coronary artery damage and not effectively treated, 15% to 25% of these cases can develop coronary artery aneurysms. Typically, coronary artery aneurysms resolve within two years of onset, but often leave residual arterial wall thickening and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or stenosis. Kawasaki disease is also one of the main causes of acquired heart disease in children. Therefore, active and effective treatment of Kawasaki disease can result in recovery. However, if there is accompanying coronary artery damage, the prognosis can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Severe coronary artery damage might lead to long-term heart disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Does Kawasaki disease rash itch?

Kawasaki disease, once called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a disease of unknown cause and unclear pathogenesis. It is characterized by systemic vasculitis. Clinically, it mainly presents with fever, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, congested oral mucosa, diffuse congestion, strawberry tongue, acute stage swelling and erythema of the hands and feet, polymorphous rash, and scarlet fever-like skin rash. It is often associated with unilateral or bilateral lymphadenopathy, which is not red on the surface, but the lymph nodes are hard and tender to the touch. It frequently involves complications such as myocarditis or pericarditis, with common coronary artery damage. The rash seen in Kawasaki disease is a manifestation of vasculitis and is generally non-itchy.