Kawasaki syndrome. An important consideration in the febrile child.
Many aspects of Kawasaki syndrome remain a mystery. The cause of the disease has eluded researchers, and its pathophysiology is a subject of much debate. However, the diagnostic features have been identified: A significant fever for at least 5 days, bilateral nonexudative conjunctivitis, erythema of the palms and soles, a polymorphic diffuse rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, and injection of the mouth and oropharynx. The recently instituted treatment protocol of high-dose aspirin with gamma globulin (Gamastan, Gammar) helps patients recover more quickly and with fewer potentially life-threatening sequelae than does aspirin alone.
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Orange County, California.
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Applegate
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy