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.
Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111-1526, USA.
H C
HC
Meissner
D Y
DY
Leung
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