Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five. It's also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
The characteristic symptomsare a high temperature that lasts for more than five days, with:
After a few weeks thesymptoms become less severe, but may last longer. At this stage, the affectedchild may have peeling skin on their fingers and toes.
If your baby is less than six months old, you should be particularly cautious and see your GP as soon as possible.
The symptoms of Kawasaki disease can be similar to those ofother conditions that cause a Fever, childhood .
Kawasaki disease can't be prevented. However,most children make a full recovery within six to eight weeks if it's diagnosed and treated promptly.
The sooner treatment starts, the quicker the recovery time and the less risk there is of complications developing.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a solution of antibodies, and aspirinare thetwo main medicinesused to treat Kawasaki disease.
Complications can be fatal in about 1% of cases.
Because of this, the condition has become the leading cause of acquired heart disease where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interruptedin the UK.
The condition was also shown to be 1.5 times more common in boys than girls.
The Kawasaki Support Group UK can provide you with additional information and advice about your child's condition.
If your child has been affected by Kawasaki disease, your clinical team will pass information about him or her on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).
This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five. It is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
The symptoms of Kawasaki disease usually develop in three phases over a six-week period. A fever of 38C (100.4F) or more is usually the most common symptom.
The cause of Kawasaki disease is not fully understood, but the condition is thought to be caused by an infection. Genetics may also play a role.
There is no single test to diagnose Kawasaki disease. Your GP will confirm the condition by looking at your child's symptoms and carrying out a physical examination.
Kawasaki disease usually has to be treated in hospital as it can cause serious complications. Aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin are the two main treatments.
With prompt treatment, most children make a full recovery from Kawasaki disease. However, sometimes complications can develop.