EC Paediatrics

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common pediatric vasculitis, usually presenting with fever, bilateral non-exudative conjunctivitis, unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, maculopapular rash, erythema of the hands and/or feet, and mucocutaneous changes of the lips and oral cavity. Although etiopathogenesis remains incompletely understood, current evidence suggests a genetic predisposition. The standard treatment includes intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose aspirin, while severe or refractory cases may require additional immunotherapy.

KD remains a clinical diagnosis, with recent updates allowing diagnosis after four days of fever if four main features are present or even three days in select cases. High-risk groups, such as infants under six months or those with significant coronary artery involvement, require more aggressive treatment. New guidelines also address the management of patients with large coronary aneurysms. Early recognition, risk assessment, and timely intensification of therapy in high-risk patients are key to improving outcomes.

 Keywords: Kawasaki Disease (KD); Coronary Artery Aneurysms (CAA); Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α)

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