Causes of secondary recurrence of Kawasaki disease

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, commonly affects children and infants under five years old. It is an acute, systemic vasculitic disease. Clinically, it is primarily characterized by persistent fever, bilateral conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, strawberry tongue, rash, hard swelling of hands and feet, fingertip desquamation, and enlargement of cervical lymph nodes. In severe cases, it can lead to coronary artery dilation, coronary artery aneurysms, and thrombotic obstruction. The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is not very clear, but it is mainly believed to be related to infections. The probability of secondary recurrence of Kawasaki disease is about 2%, and its causes mainly have to do with infections, immune factors of the body, genetic factors, and so on.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is Kawasaki disease contagious?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, currently has unclear pathogenic mechanisms and the causes of the disease are not well defined. One of its main pathological changes is systemic vasculitis, including the coronary arteries. The disease occurs sporadically or in small epidemics, can happen in any season without clear seasonality, and is generally more common in infants and young children, with eighty percent under five years of age. Kawasaki disease is not a contagious disease, so it does not have significant contagiousness.

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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How many days can Kawasaki disease be cured?

Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, the cause of which is unclear, as is the pathogenesis of the disease. The pathological changes are mainly systemic vasculitis, which is prone to secondary damage to the coronary arteries. It has a relatively long course. If fever occurs, the fever can persist for 1-2 weeks. Generally, special medications such as aspirin are required for treatment. Usually, treatment is for 3 days, and after the fever subsides, the dosage is gradually reduced, maintained for 6-8 weeks. If there is secondary coronary artery damage, the duration might be longer. In cases of severe coronary damage, the duration of the disease may be several months or even years, depending on the specific condition of the disease. Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting disease. Usually, if there is no significant coronary artery damage, after symptom control, comprehensive examinations are conducted 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, mainly heart examinations such as electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. If there is a combination of coronary artery aneurysms, long-term follow-up is required, with an examination every six months to one year until the coronary aneurysm disappears or if there is combined damage to the coronary artery structure, long-term follow-up is needed.

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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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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.