Kawasaki Disease: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome

Kawasaki disease refers to the inflammation in the blood vessels which primarily affects the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart. It also affects the lymph nodes, skin and the mucous membrane inside your mouth, throat and nose. This disease is mostly seen among children, and is non-contagious in nature. It does not spread from one person to another. However, the factors leading to Kawasaki are still not known.

The initial symptoms of Kawasaki disease include high fever lasting more than 5 days, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, rashes in the genital area, swollen feet and palms, red eyes and tongue, cracked lips. The next stage of the disease shows symptoms such as joint pain, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and peeling of the skin on your finger tips and toes. In the third stage, the signs and symptoms gradually fade away unless complications develop.

Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is quite hard because there are no specific laboratory tests to detect its cause. It can only be detected by medical signs and symptoms. People are advised to consult a doctor in case of high and lasting fever or swollen lymph nodes, feet and palms, red eyes and tongue, pain in the joints and abdomen. The doctor usually performs a few physical examinations and accordingly prescribes certain drugs and medication. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the standard treatment for Kawasaki. It is injected through the veins to reduce the inflammation in the blood vessel. Usually marked improvement is noted in the health condition within a day of administering high dose of IVIG. Other medications involve use of aspirin like Salicylate which helps in lowering the risk of blood clot and reduces pain and fever.

Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease is quite hard because there are no specific laboratory tests to detect its cause. It can only be detected by medical signs and symptoms. People are advised to consult a doctor in case of high and lasting fever or swollen lymph nodes, feet and palms, red eyes and tongue, pain in the joints and abdomen. The doctor usually performs a few physical examinations and accordingly prescribes certain drugs and medication. Kawasaki disease may lead to serious complications if not treated on time. After diagnosis the doctor recommends the following treatment procedures: Aspirin- depending on the signs and symptoms of disease, the doctor usually prescribes an aspirin which helps to ease the pain and fever, prevents blood clotting and reduces swelling; Intravenous Immunoglobulin- it is a solution of antibodies injected through the veins. It is the most effective treatment for this disease which reduces fever and the risk of heart problems. Usually marked improvement is noted in the health condition within a day of administering high dose of IVIG; Corticosteroids- this contains hormones which are powerful chemicals largely affecting the body. Although the results of using this drug have been inconsistent, it is recommended if the second dose of IVIG fails to improve your health condition.

Kawasaki disease is most common among children below 5 years of age. Anybody showing signs and symptoms of the disease such as high fever lasting over 5 days, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, rashes in the genital area, swollen feet and palms, red eyes and tongue, cracked lips, joint pain, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and peeling of the skin on your finger tips and toes, are eligible for the treatment. People are recommended to consult a doctor as early as possible because treating the disease within 10 days of its onset normally reduces the chances of complication.

People who do not show symptoms of Kawasaki disease need not undergo any treatment.

Treatment of Kawasaki disease leaves behind quite a few side effects: Excessive use or overdose of aspirin may lead to Reye Syndrome among children resulting in serious liver and brain damage. If the patient is suffering from chicken pox or influenza, aspirin should be used as per the doctor’s prescription. If not treated on time, Kawasaki disease often leads to serious damage in the coronary arteries and heart problems. IVIG treatment may lead to allergies and aseptic meningitis.

Post treatment guidelines for Kawasaki disease include taking prescribed medication on time, regular follow ups with the doctor in order to keep a check on your health condition, performing an ECG to monitor the condition of your heart.

Recovery from Kawasaki disease usually takes a few weeks. If the condition is treated on time and proper medication be followed, it may take around 6 weeks to recover.

The cost for treatment of Kawasaki disease roughly varies between Rs.15,000- Rs.50,000. 5 gram vial of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is considered the standard therapy for this treatment, usually costs Rs.16,000.

Treatment of Kawasaki disease usually yields permanent results within 6-8 weeks of recovery. However, in some cases where the disease has not been diagnosed in its initial stage, it may lead to complications related to coronary artery damage and heart ailments. People showing symptoms of the disease must consult a doctor as early as possible because treating the disease within 10 days of its onset normally reduces the chances of complication. The patient is therefore advised frequent follow ups with the doctor after the treatment.