How long does Kawasaki disease require hospitalization?

Written by Shi Ji Peng

Pediatrics

Updated on November 20, 2024

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Kawasaki disease requires hospitalization and continued medication after discharge. The duration of the hospital stay is mainly determined by the child's clinical symptoms. The child can return home when the fever subsides and the dosage of aspirin is reduced, which may take about four to seven days, although this is just a general scenario. After discharge, medication must continue. If the child's coronary arteries are fine, with no dilation or lesions, a low dose of aspirin can be taken for about two months. If there are issues with the coronary arteries, aspirin must be continuously taken until the dilation resolves before stopping the aspirin, so this period can be quite long.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 7sec

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What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a disease possibly related to viruses. Currently, the exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unclear, and the mechanism of its onset is also not well understood. It is characterized primarily by systemic vasculitis and is an acute febrile exanthematous disease. Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as rash, fever, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, oral mucosal congestion, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and peeling of the skin on the extremities. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unclear, but various viral infections observed clinically could potentially exacerbate the progression of Kawasaki disease. It mainly affects the coronary arteries, so there is a certain link between Kawasaki disease and viruses. However, it is not necessarily the direct cause of Kawasaki disease but could worsen or be a concomitant disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 26sec

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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

32sec

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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

1min 53sec

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What is Kawasaki Disease?

Kawasaki disease was first reported in 1967 by Tomisaku Kawasaki in Japan and is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Approximately 15% to 20% of cases experience coronary artery damage after effective treatment. Since 1970, cases have been reported worldwide, with a higher incidence among Asians. As diagnostic capabilities improve globally, the incidence of this disease is decreasing. This disease occurs sporadically or in small epidemics and can occur in any season, most commonly affecting infants and young children, with 80% of cases occurring in children under five years of age. The cause of the disease is unclear, and the mechanism of onset is also not well understood, with the primary pathological change being systemic vasculitis. The main clinical symptoms are high fever between 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, followed by ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment, and conjunctival congestion. Other symptoms include congested, cracked lips, diffuse congestion of the oral mucosa, indurative edema of hands and feet with emerging erythema, polymorphous skin eruptions and scarlet fever-like rash, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes, which can be unilateral or bilateral, hard and tender, but not red on the surface. There may be complications involving coronary artery damage, and potential complications such as myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis, and arrhythmias. Additionally, there may be other associated symptoms such as interstitial pneumonia, digestive system symptoms, joint pain, and arthritis.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng

Pediatrics

45sec

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How long does Kawasaki disease require hospitalization?

Kawasaki disease requires hospitalization and continued medication after discharge. The duration of the hospital stay is mainly determined by the child's clinical symptoms. The child can return home when the fever subsides and the dosage of aspirin is reduced, which may take about four to seven days, although this is just a general scenario. After discharge, medication must continue. If the child's coronary arteries are fine, with no dilation or lesions, a low dose of aspirin can be taken for about two months. If there are issues with the coronary arteries, aspirin must be continuously taken until the dilation resolves before stopping the aspirin, so this period can be quite long.