THE Kawasaki disease it is a problem that affects small and medium-sized blood vessels. Vessels from different parts of the body may be affected, but the most relevant case is when the vessels of the heart are reached. The disease occurs more frequently in children under the age of 5 years, but there are reports in the literature of its occurrence in adults. There is no known cause and the treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and complications.
Read too: Blood vessels - what they are, types, function
What is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is a disease that promotes inflammation of blood vessels, that is, it is a vasculitis. It affects small and medium blood vessels, triggering fever and manifestations of acute inflammation. It is considered the most frequent cause of acquired heart disease in the pediatric group.
It was first described in 1967, in Japan, by Tomisaku Kawasaki. The incidence of this disease is higher in Japan, but it occurs in other parts of the world. It mainly affects children under the age of 5 years, being rare in babies under 6 months. It has a slight predominance in males.
Symptoms of Kawasaki Disease
The main clinical manifestations of Kawasaki disease are:
- High fever (greater than 39º) lasting for five days or more;
- Erythema (flushing of the skin) palmoplantar;
- Edema (swelling caused by fluid accumulation);
- Peeling around the nail;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Changes in the lips and oral mucosa, such as erythema, fissures and desquamation;
- Raspberry tongue (reddened and enlarged papillae);
- Lymphadenopathy (change in lymph nodes) cervical;
- Skin rashes.
Kawasaki disease can trigger a series of complications, one of the most important being cardiac impairment. Aneurysms can arise and evolve into heart attack, ischemic heart disease and sudden death.
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What Causes Kawasaki Disease?
At causes of Kawasaki disease are not well understood, but one of the most accepted hypotheses is that infectious agents or environmental agents are involved in the development of the disease, causing a immune response in predisposed individuals.
In 2005, the theory that the disease could be caused by a type ofcoronavirus human. This occurred after researchers identified the presence of coronaviruses in the secretion of 8 sick children out of a total of 11. However, further studies failed to significantly associate the presence of coronaviruses in patients with Kawasaki.
So far, there is no knowledge of any specific agent responsible for causing this disease, but infections by different agents have already been associated with it, which supports the idea that infectious agents are involved.
Kawasaki disease and COVID-19
THE COVID-19 it is a serious disease triggered by the coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. It mainly affects the respiratory system. The first case of this disease occurred in late 2019, in China. The disease quickly became a pandemic, causing several deaths across the planet.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noticed that children who became infected with the new coronavirus were developing symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease after a few weeks. Doctors believe the symptoms would be like a delayed immune system response to the infection. The syndrome became known as Pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
Read too: Difference between COVID-19, flu and cold
Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease
The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is based on an analysis of the symptoms that the patient presents. Laboratory tests can be recommended, however there are no specific tests for the diagnosis of the disease. Thus, tests are usually carried out to rule out other illnesses.
Kawasaki Disease Treatment
The treatment of Kawasaki disease is done with the use of immunoglobulin and anti-inflammatory drugs. The use of these drugs aims to reduce inflammation in the vessels and prevent complications such as aneurysm, thrombosis and infarction.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Kawasaki Disease"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/doenca-de-kawasaki.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
