Is Kawasaki disease characterized by eye discharge?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on January 29, 2025
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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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Kawasaki disease incubation period

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a common pediatric fever and rash illness, primarily a systemic small vessel vasculitis. Kawasaki disease is not contagious, so it has no incubation period; only infectious diseases have incubation periods. If it were contagious, typical manifestations would include persistent high fever, pinpoint appearances around the eyes and mouth, typical rash, swelling of the hands and feet, and non-purulent swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. Therefore, Kawasaki disease has no incubation period and is a vasculitis mediated by immune mechanisms.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
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How is Kawasaki disease diagnosed?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an acute febrile rash disease characterized primarily by inflammation of medium and small arteries throughout the body, with a self-limiting nature. Clinically, it mainly presents with fever, rash, mucosal lesions, conjunctival congestion, and non-suppurative enlargement of cervical lymph nodes. If untreated, 20% of cases can lead to coronary artery damage. To diagnose this disease, in addition to typical clinical manifestations, attention must also be paid to various tests such as blood tests, immunological tests, and ultrasound examinations for a comprehensive assessment. Although the clinical characteristics are largely indicative of the disease, ultrasound examination is crucial to check for any dilation of the coronary arteries.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is Kawasaki disease scary?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a common pediatric autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease remains unclear, and its etiology is also unknown, mainly focusing on immune reactions, genetic susceptibility, and theories of pathogenic microbial infections. Its primary pathological change is systemic vasculitis, most commonly affecting the coronary arteries. Most cases of Kawasaki disease have a good prognosis, with recurrences seen in 1% to 2% of patients. After effective treatment, complications involving coronary artery damage are less common. However, untreated patients develop coronary artery aneurysms in 15%-25% of cases. These aneurysms often resolve on their own within two years of the illness, but often leave behind complications such as thickened vessel walls and reduced elasticity. Large aneurysms are less likely to resolve completely and often lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is also one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children. Thus, if Kawasaki disease is detected early, timely treatment is necessary to avoid cardiac sequelae. After effective treatment, the prognosis is generally good. However, if there are complications like coronary artery damage or other heart issues, it may affect the child's quality of life and even lifespan.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.