Kawasaki Syndrome, a fatal disease that mimics viral infection

Reported first by Tomisaku Kawasaki in the year 1967, Kawasaki Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects children. The disease targets the blood vessels and has the potential of harming coronary arteries. Children aged between 1 and 5 are most prone to the disease whereas the syndrome is most common in children aged 10 and more. The severity of symptoms can create serious fear in parents but normally kids return to their normal behaviour. Moreover children recover easily after the treatment. The major problem associated with Kawasaki Syndrome is the risk of development of heart disease in children. Keeping the risk in mind, doctors might ask parents for follow up visits for a few months.What causes Kawasaki Syndrome?Doctors and other medical experts are currently working on knowing the causes of this rare syndrome but there is only limited information available about the same. However there is no need to panic as the mortality rates are less than 1%.Dr Anil Batra says "It is an auto immune disorder where antibodies attack antigens of unknown origin."SymptomsIt is very important for the parents to consult doctors and seek medical help if children show any of the following symptoms:- Fever for four or more days- Swollen lymph nodes- Body rashes- Peeling of skin from hands- Redness in eyes- Cracked lips- Cracked tongue- Swollen limbsDr Nitin Verma, Principal Consultant, Paediatrics, Max Super Speciality Hospitals says, “Kawasaki Syndrome to a large extent mimics the signs of viral infection. If the fever continues for more than four-five days than the parents should inquire the doctor about Kawasaki Syndrome.”The Risk As Dr Verma said that the syndrome mimics viral infection, sometimes it gets tough for the doctors to diagnose the disease. As per the doctors, there is a seven day window before which it is extremely important to diagnose the disease otherwise the risk of Aneurysm of coronary arteries increases. Aneurysm of coronary arteries can lead to major heart problems in kids including heart stroke risk.Dr Verma adds “the disease must be diagnosed within seven days, after this period is over, treatment becomes very tough". Kawasaki disease is termed as the major cause behind acquired heart diseases in children in the developed countries.DiagnosisIf any of the above mentioned symptoms persist then the doctors conduct some clinical tests. They look for the number of white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Increased number of white blood cells and platelets indicate the presence of Kawasaki Syndrome. Dr Anil Batra, neonatologist, Asian Institute of medical sciences advices diagnosis of the syndrome at the earliest as the most important factor.TreatmentAfter the Kawasaki syndrome is diagnosed, the treatment includes an IVIG dose given with a low dose of aspirin for a period of 12 hours. Dr Verma quotes "Usually kids become fine within the first 24 hours of the treatment but if the symptoms continue, a second dose may also be given.”Majority of the patients get well within 24 to 48 hours of the treatment.The follow upThe major problem associated with Kawasaki Syndrome is the fact that it has the capability of affecting coronary arteries even after the treatment. It hence becomes critical to follow up on the developments in the body. Dr Batra advises 2 ecos per month for first few months followed by at least 2 ecos every one year. Though the disease is very much treatable, the seven day window and the follow up doctor visits must always be taken care of.