Kawasaki Disease Flashcards
What is Kawasaki disease?
An acute, self-limiting medium-sized vessel vasculitis affecting children <5 years
No clear cause or trigger.
What is a key complication of Kawasaki disease?
Coronary artery aneurysm
What is a key clinical feature to consider Kawasaki disease?
A child with a fever lasting ≥5 days
What is the fever threshold for diagnosing Kawasaki disease according to the American Heart Association?
Fever (usually >39C) for ≥5 days
What are the five clinical features that must be present for Kawasaki disease diagnosis?
4/5 of the following:
* Mucositis
* Conjunctivitis
* Rash
* Peripheral changes
* Cervical lymphadenopathy
What are the symptoms of mucositis in Kawasaki disease?
Red, cracked lips and strawberry tongue
What type of conjunctivitis is associated with Kawasaki disease?
Bilateral, without exudate
Describe the rash associated with Kawasaki disease.
Maculopapular, erythroderma, erythema multiforme
What peripheral changes are observed in Kawasaki disease?
Erythema, oedema, desquamation of hands and feet
What is cervical lymphadenopathy in Kawasaki disease?
Swelling of cervical lymph nodes
How long does the acute phase of Kawasaki disease last?
1-2 weeks
What characterizes the acute phase of Kawasaki disease?
Child is most unwell - fever, rash, lymphadenopathy
How long does the subacute phase of Kawasaki disease last?
2-4 weeks
What occurs during the subacute phase of Kawasaki disease?
Acute symptoms settle, desquamation, arthralgia, risk of coronary artery aneurysm
What is the duration of the convalescent phase of Kawasaki disease?
2-4 weeks
What happens during the convalescent phase of Kawasaki disease?
Remaining symptoms settle, blood tests slowly return to normal, coronary artery aneurysms may regress
What are the two first-line treatments for Kawasaki disease?
- High dose aspirin
- IV immunoglobulins
Why is aspirin usually avoided in children <16 years?
Due to the risk of Reye’s disease
In Kawasaki disease, why might the benefits of aspirin outweigh the risks?
To reduce risk of thrombosis
