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Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome and Kawasaki disease
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- This syndrome usually occurs in children (80% under age of 5). For unknown reasons, the cells lining the small and medium size 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., lining of the mouth and eyes), and other body parts.
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- Fever
- Both eyes are red
- Throat is red
- Cracked lips
- "Strawberry tongue"
- Leg swelling
- Skin peeling
- Skin becomes red
- Rash
- Palms and soles may be red
- Enlarged lymph glands of the back of the neck
- The coronary arteries (the arteries that feed 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
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- Aspirin (this should never be given to a child unless specifically directed by his/her doctor)
- Intravenous immune globulin
- Corticosteroids should be avoided, as they are thought to increase the chance of an aneurysm of the coronary arteries.
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- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Measles
- Staphylococcal toxin
- Group A-beta hemolytic streptococcal infection
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