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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Does Kawasaki disease cause a runny nose?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, primarily presents with repeated high fevers that do not respond to antibiotics, conjunctival congestion, diffuse oral congestion, chapped and congested lips, polymorphic erythema and scarlatiniform rashes on the skin, and unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, but studies suggest that respiratory or gastrointestinal infections may be common prodromal symptoms, indicating that the onset might be related to infections, though no contagious phenomena have been identified to date. Kawasaki disease might show prodromal signs such as upper respiratory infections, characterized by symptoms like a runny nose and cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which suggests that a runny nose might be a manifestation of Kawasaki disease.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei

Pediatrics

1min

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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 Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

42sec

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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

50sec

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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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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.