Kawasaki disease is an illness that mainly affects children under 5 years old. It was first identified in Japan in 1967. Symptoms may include fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen hands and feet, red eyes, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and sore throat. Kawasaki disease is a major cause of acquired heart disease in the United States. However, most children recover quickly from the disease after receiving treatment. Without treatment, Kawasaki disease can cause inflammation of blood vessels and heart and heart valve problems. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin helps reduce the risk of these heart-related issues.
Texas Children’s Hospital takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating kids with Kawasaki disease, beginning with a complete evaluation and workup that includes lab tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG). The goal of therapy during the acute phase is to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the heart.
The nation's #1 heart center
Proud to be ranked the best children’s heart center in the country by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years.
