Kawasaki syndrome.
Although a general consensus on the etiology of Kawasaki syndrome has not been reached, increasing evidence suggests that this illness represents a response to a superantigen. This conclusion is based on the observations of the immunologic changes that characterize the acute stages of illness as well as on the demonstrated association with toxin-producing bacteria in the pharynx and gastrointestinal tract. Therapy with intravenous gamma globulin and high-dose aspirin remains the standard of care for acute disease. Long-term follow-up of increasing numbers of children has confirmed that few properly treated children are at risk for the development of coronary artery abnormalities due to this illness.
Meissner
H C
HC
Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111-1526, USA.
Leung
D Y
DY
D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D001241:Aspirin