Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Abstract

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired cardiovascular disease among children, but management of KD has received relatively little attention. In the US alone, about 5500 cases were estimated in 2009. KD is most common among Asian and Pacific Islander children but can affect all ethnicities and races. Timely and accurate diagnosis remains critical, but difficult: the etiology of KD is unknown, and no accurate diagnostic laboratory test has been developed. Continuing medical education can help physicians, clinicians, and nurse practitioners accurately diagnose and treat KD. A registry specific to KD or a surveillance system may be necessary to increase awareness among health care professionals and to decrease complications related to misdiagnosis.

Comments

This article first appeared in the Spring 2012 issue of The Permanente Journal and is reprinted with permission.

The final version may be found at http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/issues/2012/spring/4545-cardio-disease.html

©2012 The Permanente Journal - Kaiser Permanente. All rights reserved.

Download

Share

COinS