Update on Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki Disease
Published: November 13, 2024
- Kawasaki Disease (KD) remains a clinical diagnosis with significant evidence that early diagnosis is imperative to reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA).
- Managing KD involves timely diagnosis and precise assessment of Z-scores (a statistical measure comparing coronary artery size to population norms) to determine risk and administer dual therapy to high-risk patients. This approach is reinforced by advanced imaging techniques and coordinated multidisciplinary care.
- Long-term follow-up and transition plans into adulthood are vital for patients with KD and coronary artery involvement.
Video: Kawasaki Disease Update
Pei-Ni Jone from Lurie Children's Hospital at Northwestern University and Adriana Tremoulet, from the University of California in San Diego, discuss the latest advances in diagnosis and management of Kawasaki disease. They share updates from their recent AHA scientific statement including definitions of high-risk patients, treatment adjustments, new technologies for imaging and transition of care from child to adult for patients with the disease. They present hope for the future, looking towards the advent of artificial intelligence to aid early diagnosis. This conversation and Statement aims to help physicians around the globe take better care of their patients with Kawasaki disease.
Supporting Materials
Recommended Reading
- Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Abnormalities and Resistance to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Plus Corticosteroid Therapy in Severe Kawasaki Disease
- 2024 AHA/ACC/AMSSM/HRS/PACES/SCMR Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Falling Through the Cracks: The Current Gap in the Health Care Transition of Patients With Kawasaki Disease
- Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Management of Kawasaki Disease