Paediatrics: Kawasaki Disease: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Kawasaki Disease🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this acute paediatric vasculitis with cardiac risk – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Kawasaki Disease is an acute, self-limiting, systemic vasculitis mainly affecting young children, notable for its risk of causing coronary artery aneurysms if not treated early.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Likely caused by an abnormal immune response to an infectious trigger in genetically susceptible children• Highest incidence in children under 5 years (especially 18–24 months)• Strong genetic predisposition: higher in Asian (especially Japanese, Korean) descent• Family history of Kawasaki Disease increases risk• Slightly more common in boysMnemonic: “Kawasaki KIDS: Korean/Japanese, Infection, Descent, Sibling affected”📌 Pathophysiology• Immune-mediated inflammation of small and medium arteries• Cytokine release damages vessel walls—especially coronary arteries• Results in risk of aneurysm formation and cardiac complications📌 Symptoms• Persistent fever (≥5 days)• Rash (polymorphic, non-blistering)• Cervical lymphadenopathy (often unilateral)• Mucous membrane changes (strawberry tongue, red cracked lips)• Red, swollen hands/feet, later desquamation (peeling)• Bilateral, non-purulent conjunctivitis• Marked irritabilityMnemonic: F-R-A-S-H-B-I — Fever, Rash, Adenopathy, Strawberry tongue, Hands/feet, Bilateral conjunctivitis, Irritability📌 Differential Diagnosis• Measles, rubella, scarlet fever• Staph/strep infections, toxic shock, Stevens-Johnson• Viral illnesses (mono, enterovirus, parvovirus B19)• Drug reactions, meningitis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, mercury poisoning (acrodynia)📌 Diagnosis• Primarily clinical—prolonged fever + 4/5 principal features (see mnemonic)• Supportive tests: – ↑ ESR/CRP, ↑ platelets (subacute), ↑ WBC – Sterile pyuria, ↑ LFTs possible• Echocardiogram is essential to assess coronary arteries• Consider incomplete KD if fever + 2–3 features and raised inflammation📌 Management• Prompt IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) (2g/kg infusion over 10–12h)• High-dose aspirin (initially anti-inflammatory, then low-dose antiplatelet)• Serial echocardiography: baseline, 1–2 weeks, 6–8 weeks• Second IVIG dose or corticosteroids for refractory cases• Long-term antiplatelet/anticoagulation for coronary aneurysms• Paediatric cardiology involvement for cardiac sequelae• Urgent specialist care for any child with suspected KD📌 Complications• Coronary artery aneurysms (up to 25% untreated, 4–5% with IVIG)• Myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure• Pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular heart disease• Arthritis, aseptic meningitis, hydrops of gallbladder• Recurrence (<1%), mortality (rare with prompt treatment)📌 Prognosis• With early IVIG, >95% recover fully with no cardiac sequelae• Small aneurysms often resolve; giant aneurysms may persist and need long-term follow-up• Delayed or missed treatment raises lifelong cardiac risk📎 More MSRA Resources for Kawasaki Disease📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/kawasaki-disease-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/kawasaki-disease-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/kawasaki-disease-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/kawasaki-disease-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #KawasakiDisease