Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Summer 7-2016
Document Type
Project
Course Number
N5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
Dr. John Chovan and Dr. Jim Cacchillo
Keywords
Kawasaki Disease, Pediatrics, IVIG, Cardiac
Subject Categories
Cardiovascular Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an idiopathic, multi system disorder that is characterized by vasculitis of the arteries, capillaries, and veins. It typically affects children 5 years old or younger and is predominately seen in male children of Japanese decent. The inflammation of the blood vessels seen makes Kawasaki disease the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, with 20% of those affected developing coronary artery aneurysms, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Diagnosis is based on criteria including presence of fever for 5 days, bilateral conjunctivitis, erythema of the lips and oral mucosa, changes in extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Treatment of KD typically involves high-dose aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Physicians play an important role in the early detection and diagnosis of children with KD, since timely diagnosis and administration of treatments has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of cardiac complications.
Recommended Citation
Krinn, Cassandra F., "Kawasaki Disease in Pediatric Patients" (2016). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 159.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/159