1. KAWASAKI’S DISEASE By: Madeline Dixon and Megan Curry

2. Description  Kawasaki’s Disease causes inflammation in the walls of the arteries throughout the body.  Symptoms include high fever, reddening of the eyes and lips, and bright red rash.

3. Scientific Description  Kawasaki’s Disease has other common names including: Kawasaki’s Syndrome, Infantile Periarteritis Nodosa, Infantile Polyarteritis Nodosa, and Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome.  It is associated with inflammation of the vascular wall.  It is an idiopathic self-limiting systemic vasculitis. Vasculitis: series of conditions in which there is inflammation of the blood vessels

5. Symptoms  Fever that lasts for five or more days  Rash, often worse in the groin area  Red bloodshot eyes, without drainage or crusting  Bright red, swollen, cracked lips and “strawberry” tongue which appears as shiny bright red spots after the top coating sloughs off  Swollen hands and feet as well as redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet  Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

7. Causes  The exact cause of Kawasaki’s Disease is unknown.  Some studies suggest that it is the immune system’s reaction to some infectious diseases such as a virus.  Some studies also suggest that genetic factors could play a role.  Kawasaki’s Disease cannot be passed from one child to another.

8. Treatment  Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Fluids) doses of gamma globulin, which is purified antibodies, an ingredient of blood that helps the body fight infection is given.  Aspirin is given after the fever reduces to prevent heart problems.  If the child has any indication of heart problems, the doctor would recommend follow up tests such as an echo cardiogram.  Goals of initial treatment:  Lower fever and inflammation  Prevent heart damage

9. Worst Case Scenario  Doctors can manage the symptoms of Kawasaki Disease if it is caught early.  Most children feel better within two days of treatment.  Usually no heart problems will develop if it is treated within 10 days of the first symptoms.  If untreated, Kawasaki Disease can lead to severe vasculitis which can be particularly dangerous if it affects the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart.  Lining, valves, and the outer membrane around the heart can become inflamed.  Arrhythmia, changes in the normal pattern of the heartbeat, can occur.  It is dangerous if the child develops an aneurism in their heart or other location.  If the aneurism bursts they will die.

10. Sever Vasculitis

11. Facts  The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) estimates that Kawasaki Disease affects more than 4,200 children in the United States each year.  Kawasaki Disease was described by and named after Japanese pediatrician, Tomisaku Kawasaki, in 1967.  It is more common in boys than girls.  It is most common in children of Japanese and Korean descent, but it can affect all ethnic groups.

12. Works Cited  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001984/ #adam_000989.disease.causes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001984/ #adam_000989.disease.causes  http://diseasesforum.com/kawasaki-disease/ http://diseasesforum.com/kawasaki-disease/  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kawasaki- disease/basics/definition/con-20024663 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kawasaki- disease/basics/definition/con-20024663  http://www.medicinenet.com/kawasaki_disease/article.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/kawasaki_disease/article.htm  http://www.healthline.com/health/kawasaki- disease#Overview1 http://www.healthline.com/health/kawasaki- disease#Overview1  http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/kawasaki-disease-pro http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/kawasaki-disease-pro  http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/kawasaki.html # http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/kawasaki.html #