A rare health problem called Kawasaki disease is an inflammation of blood vessels. It mostly affects children. Although the details of this condition remain unknown, it especially affects the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). This can lead to artery widening (aneurysm) and more rarely, a heart attack. Male children less than five years old are the ones most frequently diagnosed with this problem. The classic presenting sign of Kawasaki disease is an unexplained fever lasting at least five days. The child’s temperature is often greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms include bloodshot eyes, red lips, red bumps in the back of the tongue, red hands and feet, swollen lymph node, and peeling of the skin in the palms and soles.
Early detection of Kawasaki disease is important to help prevent further heart damage. The standard treatment in the hospital setting is with intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) given along with high-dose aspirin. IVIG is a blood product administered by a healthcare professional that suppresses severe inflammation. Aspirin is often used as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, aspirin is sometimes used to help prevent blood clot formation by preventing platelets from sticking together.
Kathy Stapleton, Pharmacist
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