Kawasaki disease cases increase in India after COVID-19

Description

KAWASAKI DISEASE

Source: FinancialExpress

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Context

Kawasaki disease cases among children have increased in India after COVID-19 pandemic.
A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Pediatrics journal revealed that children reported hyperinflammatory shock with clinical features similar to those of Kawasaki disease (KD) after COVID-19 infection in 2020.

Details

About the disease

Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a rare disease that causes fever and inflammation of the blood vessels.
It primarily affects children under the age of 5.
It causes inflammation in blood vessels (vasculitis), including coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious heart complications.
However, most children recover fully within two months with prompt medical intervention.
Boys are more commonly affected than girls.
The disorder is named after Japanese pediatrician Tomisaku Kawasaki, who first described it in 1967.

How Common is Kawasaki Disease?

In the U.S. and Canada, it affects 10 to 20 children per 100,000 under age 5.
In India the majority of children continue to remain undiagnosed because of the lack of awareness amongst pediatricians.
It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries.

Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease

Feverlasting at least five days.
Irritabilityand fatigue.
Red or pink eyes(without discharge).
Red, cracked lipsand a strawberry tongue.
Swollen, red hands or feet, followed by peeling skin.
Rash, primarily on the trunk.
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
Belly pain, upset stomach, or diarrhea.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but factors like infections, genetics, and environmental triggers are being investigated.
Kawasaki disease is not contagious.

Treatment

IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin): Primary treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent heart complications.
Aspirin: To reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots.
IV fluids: For hydration.
Cold compresses: To relieve discomfort.
For severe cases, other anti-inflammatory medications and anticoagulantsmay be prescribed.

Sources:

FinancialExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements about Kawasaki disease:

1. It is a syndrome of unknown cause.

2.The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.

3.It is contagious in nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a)1 and 2 only

b)2 and 3 only

c)None

d)1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

1^st statement is correct: Kawasaki disease is a syndrome of unknown cause that results in a fever and mainly affects children under 5 years of age. It is a form of vasculitis, where medium-sized blood vessels become inflamed throughout the body.

2^nd statement is correct: The disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries, which include the formation of coronary artery aneurysms and myocarditis.

3^rd statement is incorrect: It is not known what causes the disease. The immune system may be reacting to an unknown virus or there might be a genetic link in families. There is no way to prevent Kawasaki Disease. It is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another.