Is atypical Kawasaki disease serious?

The severity of atypical Kawasaki disease varies from person to person, and some patients may develop serious complications that require prompt medical treatment. Treatments include immunoglobulin injections, aspirin, and close monitoring of heart function.

1. Atypical Kawasaki disease is a common vasculitis in children. Its symptoms are similar to those of typical Kawasaki disease but not typical enough. It may present with fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, etc. Due to its atypical symptoms, it is easy to be misdiagnosed or delayed in treatment, increasing the risk of complications. Common complications include coronary artery aneurysm, myocarditis and pericarditis, which may lead to heart failure or sudden death in severe cases.

2. After atypical Kawasaki disease is diagnosed, the primary treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin, which is usually used within 10 days of onset, and can significantly reduce the risk of coronary artery damage. The dose and course of immunoglobulin need to be adjusted according to the patient's weight and the severity of the disease. At the same time, the doctor will recommend that the patient take oral aspirin to fight inflammation and platelet aggregation and reduce the possibility of thrombosis. The dose of aspirin is higher in the acute phase, and then gradually reduced to a maintenance dose.

3. In addition to drug treatment, close monitoring of heart function is essential. Regular echocardiography should be performed to assess whether the coronary arteries are dilated or aneurysms are formed. If coronary artery abnormalities are found, further adjustments to the treatment plan are required, such as increasing the dose of aspirin or using other anticoagulants. During the recovery period, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and have regular checkups to ensure normal heart function.

4. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of atypical Kawasaki disease are the key to preventing serious complications. Parents should pay close attention to changes in their children's symptoms, such as persistent fever, rash or swollen lymph nodes, and seek medical attention in a timely manner. Doctors can make an accurate diagnosis by taking a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, combined with echocardiogram results. Early intervention can significantly improve prognosis and reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.

Although atypical Kawasaki disease may cause serious complications, most patients have a good prognosis through timely diagnosis and standardized treatment. Parents need to be vigilant, seek medical treatment in a timely manner, and cooperate with doctors to complete treatment and follow-up.