|
|
 |
Mucocutaneous lymph
node syndrome
|
 |
- This syndrome usually occurs in children (80% under age of 5). For unknown reasons, the cells lining the small and medium-sized blood vessels (such as the coronary arteries of the heart) are attacked by the body's immune system.
- This process is known as an autoimmune attack, and can damage the heart, skin, lymph nodes, mucous membranes (e.g., mouth and eyes), and other body parts.
|
 |
- Fever for more than 5 days
- Irritability
- Both eyes are red
- Throat is red
- Cracked lips
- "Strawberry tongue"
- Leg swelling
- Skin peeling
- Skin becomes red
- Rash, usually in the pelvic area and face
- Palm and soles may be red
- Enlarged lymph glands of the back of the neck
- The coronary arteries (the arteries of the heart) become inflamed in 20% of untreated conditions. This is called arteritis.
- Patients with coronary artery involvement may have a heart attack
- Joint swelling and pain may be seen
|
 |
- Physical exam will reveal the changes in the skin, lymph nodes, joints, lips, and eyes.
- Blood tests -- complete blood count, kidney function, and ESR
- Electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram may show changes in the heart.
|
 |
- Treatment for Kawasaki disease starts in the hospital, but children often respond very quickly and can go usually go home in a few days on oral aspirin.
- IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), is a mixture of antibodies collected from donated blood. Consequently, there is a risk of infection being passed from the blood donor to the person receiving IVIG.
- Aspirin, which very safe for teenagers and adults, is associated with development of "Reye Syndrome," which can occur when a child with the Flu takes aspirin. Because of this, children undergoing treatment for Kawasaki disease with aspirin, and their families, should be vaccinated for the Flu.
- IVIG is only given once, but aspirin is usually needed for several months.
|
 |
- Even if a child's initial echocardiogram is normal, many heart specialists feel that there is always a future risk for heart disease after Kawasaki disease. Consequently, most children will have regular follow-up with a cardiologist, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
- Children who develop heart problems will require specialized treatments.
- The majority of patients with Kawasaki disease, however, do very well and have no problems later in life.
|
 |
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Measles
- Staphylococcal toxin
- Group A-beta hemolytic streptococcal infection
|
| | |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
under which this service is provided to you. Read our
.
Copyright © 2002 - 2003 eCureMe, Inc All right reserved.
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
