Klinik Tıp Pediatri Dergisi

Öz

Abstract

Kawasaki disease is the second most common childhood vasculitis in our country,affecting the walls of mediumsized arteries. Despite the unknown etiology of thedisease, a various types of infectious agents have been blamed for the emergence ofclinical symptoms. Prolonged fever (lasting longer than 5 days), unresponsive to antibiotics and antipyretics represents the cornerstone of the disease clinical manifestations. Fever is accompanied with variety of symptoms, including: nonexudativebilateral conjunctivitis, unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, erythema and edemaon the hands and feet, strawberry tongue and lip fissures. Initial reddening or edema of the palms and soles is generally followed by membranous desquamation of the finger and toe tips or transverse grooves across the fingernails and toenails. The misdiagnosis during the acute febrile phase and treatment delay could lead to severe complications. The cardio-vascular involvement, expecting generally during the subacute phase of the disease, represent the leading cause ofmorbidity and mortality. Apart from the coronary artery involvement, which isthe most significant cardiovascular complication, myocarditis, pericarditis could be seen as well. Intravenousimmunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment given during the acu-te phase of the disease significantly decreases the morbidity and mortality. The IVIG treatment is generally accompanied with the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), given inan anti-inflammatory doses. The doses and the durationof ASA treatment varies, depending on clinical course.Timely, appropriate treatment enables the favorableprognosis, without severe complications.