Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki Disease
Condition that causes inflammation in the walls of small-and medium sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart muscle. It is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, because it also affects lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose and throat. Named after Dr. Tomisaku KawasakiDefinition: Causes:
AutoimmuneEnvironmental factorsExposure to previous infection
Risk Factors:Age under 5 years oldSex boys slightly more than girlsEthnicity Japanese and Korean has an increase risk of Kawasaki Disease
Signs and Symptoms
High fever
Peeling of the skin
FrighteningThree Phases of Kawasaki DiseasePhase 1Extremely red eyes without thick discharge (conjunctivitis)Rash on main part of the body (trunk) and in genitals.Red, dry cracked lips, extremely red, swollen tongue (strawberry tongue)Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and elsewhereSwollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the sole of the feet.Irritability Phase 2
Peeling of the skin on hands and feet especially the tips of the fingers and toes, often in large sheets.
Joint pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting and abdominal pain
Phase III:Signs and symptoms go away unless complication develops. It may be as long as eight weeks before energy levels seen normal again.
Treatment:Medications:Gamma globulin decrease coronary artery problemsAspirin treat inflammation, pain and joint inflammation and fever.Anti coagulant drugs (heparin, warfarin) helps prevent clots.Steroids prevent inflammation on joints and heart valves.
Surgical Management:Coronary AngioplastyStent PlacementCoronary Artery Bypass GraftElectrocardiogram graphical recording of cardiac cycle.Echocardiogram graphical image of the heart.
Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)Heart valve problems (mitral regurgitation)Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) usually the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.Inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to weakening of the artery wall (aneurysm). Increase the risk of blood clot forming and blocking the artery which could lead to heart attack or life threatening internal bleeding.
Complications: (Heart Complications)Monitor vital signs every hourNote persistence of fever.Provide TSBIncrease fluid intakeProvide comfortable clothes.
Nursing Management:Crizel S. Melegrito B4Jerome P. Manuel B3