title: Update on Kawasaki disease: epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis.
abstract: Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis predominantly affecting young children. It is due to an abnormal host response to as yet unidentified infectious trigger(s). Kawasaki disease may cause coronary artery damage, long-term cardiovascular morbidity and occasionally mortality, especially if the diagnosis is missed or timely treatment is not given. This is the first of two updates on Kawasaki disease. Here we review recent advances in epidemiology, possible aetiologies, host susceptibility and pathogenesis of this fascinating condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Deane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yim
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burgner
mesh_terms: D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Kawasaki disease; aetiology; pathogenesis; review