Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a disease that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It is typically diagnosed in young children, but older children and adults can also develop this condition. Kawasaki disease begins with a fever that lasts at least five days. Other classic symptoms may include red eyes, lips, and mouth; rash; swollen and red hands and feet; and swollen lymph nodes.^[1] Sometimes the disease affects the coronary arteries which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which can lead to serious heart problems. Kawasaki disease occurs most often in people of Asian and Pacific Island descent.^[2] The cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown.^[1][2] An infection along with genetic factors may be involved.^[2][3] Treatment includes intravenous gamma globulin and high doses of aspirin in a hospital setting.^[1][2] Prognosis is generally very good, but in cases of heart complications it depends on the severity of the coronary disease.^[3] 

The cause of Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. The disease results when cells move into the tissues and buildup there, leading to vascular damage, but what causes the cell buildup in the first place is unknown. The body's response to a virus or infection combined with genetic factors may cause the disease. However, no specific virus or infection has been identified, and the role of genetics is not well understood.^[2][4]

Genetic factors appear to be important to this disorder, as suggested by the increased frequency of the disease in Asian and Asian-American populations and among family members of an affected child. A number of gene variants (polymorphisms) are associated with an increased risk of developing (susceptibility) KD, and some of these variants are also associated with coronary artery lesions and aneurysm formation.[12298]

Other theories suggest that the disease is caused by a response from the body's immune system.^[5]

KD is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another.^[2] Other risk factors include being a male gender, being between six months and five years of age, and having a family history of KD.^[5]

Cases of Kawasaki disease are tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) using hospital discharge data, a surveillance system, and research studies. The Kawasaki syndrome surveillance system is based on voluntary reporting by health care providers and local and state health authorities. For more information, we recommend that you contact the CDC or your local health department.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, & Enteric Diseases (NCZVED)
Division of High-Consequence
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Mailstop A-30
Atlanta, GA 30333
Toll-Free: 800-232-4636
TTY: 888-232-6348
Fax: fax to 404-639-3163
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/kawasaki/
Link to case report form: http://www.cdc.gov/kawasaki/about.html