Kawasaki disease
Alternate Names : Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, Infantile polyarteritis
Symptoms & Signs
Kawasaki disease often begins with a high and persistent fever greater than 102°F, often as high as 104°F. A persistent fever lasting at least 5 days is considered a classic sign. The fever may last for up to 2 weeks and does not usually go away with normal doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Other symptoms often include: - Extremely bloodshot or red eyes (without pus or drainage)
- Bright red, chapped, or cracked lips
- Red mucous membranes in the mouth
- Strawberry tongue, white coating on the tongue, or prominent red bumps on the back of the tongue
- Red palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- Swollen hands and feet
- Skin rashes on the middle of the body, NOT blister-like
- Peeling skin in the genital area, hands, and feet (especially around the nails, palms, and soles)
- Swollen lymph nodes (frequently only one lymph node is swollen), particularly in the neck area
- Joint pain and swelling, frequently one both sides of the body
Additional symptoms may include: - Irritability
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Cough and runny nose
Diagnosis & Tests
No tests specifically diagnose Kawasaki disease. The diagnosis is usually made based on the patient having most of the classic symptoms. However, some children may have a fever lasting more than 5 days, but not all of the classic symptoms of the disease. These children may be diagnosed with atypical Kawasaki disease. Therefore, all children with fever lasting more than 5 days should be evaluated, with Kawasaki disease considered as a possibility. Early treatment is essential for those who do have the disease. The following tests may be performed: Procedures such as ECG and echocardiography may reveal signs of myocarditis, pericarditis, arthritis, aseptic meningitis, and inflammation of the coronary arteries.
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