Clinical Manifestations and Laboratory Findings of Kawasaki Disease: Beyond the Classic Diagnostic Features

Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 May 30;58(6):734. doi: 10.3390/medicina58060734.

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) has shown a marked increase in trend over the globe, especially within the last two decades. Kawasaki disease is often seen in the paediatric population below five years old, while it is rare for those who are beyond that age. Up to this date, no exact causes has been identified although KD was found more than half a century ago. The underlying pathogenesis of the disease is still unelucidated, and researchers are trying to unlock the mystery of KD. To further complicate the diagnosis and the prompt management, a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of KD is yet to be discovered, making it hard to differentiate between KD and other diseases with a similar presentation. Nonetheless, since its discovery, clinicians and scientists alike had known more about the different clinical aspects of typical KD. Thus, this article intends to revisit and review the various clinical manifestations and laboratory characteristics of KD in order to guide the diagnosis of KD.

Keywords: Kawasaki disease; coronary artery aneurysm; intravenous immunoglobulin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome* / complications

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous