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Common questions to ask your child’s doctor:

To help you be prepared, here are important questions to discuss with your pediatrician regarding Kawasaki Disease:

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• Does my child need any specific tests or imaging?

• How long are the symptoms expected to last?

• What treatment options are available, and which do you recommend?

• What possible side effects should I watch for in medications?

• How can I help manage my child’s comfort during illness?

• What warning signs mean my child’s condition might worsen?

• What is the long-term outlook or prognosis for my child?

• Do you have any printed material or resources to learn more?

• Are there trusted websites or support communities you recommend?

• What Are the Complications of Kawasaki Disease?

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Kawasaki Disease is one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in children worldwide. With timely and appropriate treatment, most children recover without lasting damage. However, KD can cause significant cardiovascular complications, including:

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• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, especially coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle

• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle itself

• Heart valve problems: Such as mitral regurgitation

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats or rhythm disturbances

• Coronary artery aneurysms: Dangerous enlargements (bulging) of artery walls that may lead to blood clots, heart attacks, or internal bleeding

• Because of these risks, early treatment and ongoing cardiac monitoring by a pediatric cardiologist are essential.

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How is Kawasaki Disease treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, lowering fever, and preventing heart damage. Typically, your child’s doctor will recommend:

• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): This infusion of immune proteins can reduce the risk of coronary artery complications dramatically, especially if given early.

• Aspirin therapy: Unlike typical pediatric practice, children with KD are prescribed high-dose aspirin to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. After the fever resolves, they continue on low-dose aspirin for clot prevention, sometimes for several weeks or longer if heart involvement is present.

• Because of serious complication risks, treatment usually begins in a hospital setting for close monitoring.

After Initial Treatment

• Fever and symptoms often improve quickly after the IVIG dose.

• Follow-up care includes ongoing aspirin therapy and heart ultrasounds at 6-8 weeks or as recommended.

• If coronary artery aneurysms develop, additional medications or interventions like anticoagulants, angioplasty, stent placement, or even bypass surgery may be necessary.

What causes Kawasaki Disease?

The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease remains unknown. Research suggests it is not contagious but may arise from an abnormal immune response triggered by bacteria, viruses, or environmental factors. Genetic predisposition may also play a role.

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Who is at risk for Kawasaki Disease?

While Kawasaki Disease can affect any child, risk factors include:

• Age: Most common in children under 5 years old

• Gender: Boys are slightly more likely than girls to develop Kawasaki Disease

• Ethnicity: Children of Asian descent, particularly Japanese and Korean, have higher rates globally