Kawasaki desease - Kawasaki disease Europe

Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki Disease: Early Diagnosis Saves Hearts

Kawasaki disease is a condition that primarily affects children under the age of five. It causes inflammation of the walls of blood vessels throughout the body and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. The disease is named after Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, the Japanese pediatrician who first described it in 1967.

Kawasaki Disease usually begins with a high and persistent fever (lasting more than five days), along with some or all of the following symptoms:

Red eyes (without discharge)
Rash on the body
Swelling and redness of the hands and feet
Red, cracked lips and a “strawberry” tongue
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early diagnosis and treatment — typically with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) — significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
If left untreated, Kawasaki Disease can lead to coronary artery aneurysms, potentially causing long-term heart problems.

What Causes It?

The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease is still unknown. Experts believe it may be triggered by an abnormal immune response to an infection in genetically predisposed children. It is not considered contagious.

Outlook and Support

Most children recover fully with proper treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Ongoing medical follow-up may be necessary to monitor heart health.

At Kawasaki Disease Europe,

we are committed to raising awareness, supporting families, and promoting research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent this disease.