Kawasaki disease—A preventable cause of cardiac morbidity

Kawasaki disease is a common acute childhood vasculitis that can leave behind serious coronary sequelae. Though, it continues to be commonest in Japan, from where it was first described, it has been now described from all over the world. No specific aetiologic agent is known. Similarly, no single clinical feature or laboratory investigation is diagnostic. Intravenous immunoglobulin is the gold standard of care and if given within 10 days of onset, is associated with a significantly reduced risk of coronary aneurysms. Despite appropriate care, 3% children still develop coronary artery abnormalities and require long-term aspirin therapy with or without anticoagulants. All children should be on long-term cardiac care because of risk of premature atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia.