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Stages of Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease affects the lymph nodes, mouth and skin and appears in 19 out of every 100,000 children in the United States. It usually occurs before the age of five. It can affect all races but is more common in those of Korean or Japanese descent. The highest incidence of the disease is in Japan. There are three stages, or phases, of Kawasaki disease.

  1. Phase One

    • During phase one, the child will have a fever of 101.3 or even higher for at least five days. Red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, dry lips and a red swollen tongue are often also observed. There may also be a rash on the torso and genitals as well as swollen red palms and soles. Phase one can last up to two weeks.

    Phase Two

    • Large pieces of skin on the hands and feet may peel off in phase two. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur. There may also be joint or abdominal pain.

    Phase Three

    • In the third phase, there are no new symptoms. The existing symptoms all subside unless complications occur.

    Diagnosis

    • There is no official diagnostic test for Kawasaki disease. The physician will diagnose it by looking at the symptoms and ruling out other conditions such as scarlet fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and measles.

    Treatment

    • Treatment consists of IV doses of gamma globulin, which is an immune protein. Aspirin is often also given to help prevent blood clots and cardiovascular problems.

    Complications

    • With early treatment, complications are rare. If untreated, Kawasaki disease can cause an inflammation of the heart or blood vessels, abnormal heart rhythms or problems with the heart's valves.

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