$Unique_ID{BRK00985}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{The Readers Speak: Kawasaki Disease}
$Subject{Kawasaki rash fever update}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


THE READERS SPEAK


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     Recently I discussed Kawasaki Disease in this column and stated that
there was no treatment known to reduce the frequency of abnormalities that
occur in the coronary arteries of about 20 percent of these patients.  The
disease which strikes mostly children, presents with fever and irritability,
swollen neck glands, bloodshot eyes, red, dry and cracked lips, rashes of the
trunk, palms of the hands and soles of the feet that are red and swelling of
the extremities, can also result in aneurysms (sac like swellings) in the
heart arteries.  However, mail from patient's parents and medical experts
revealed that treatment does exist, which is very effective in reducing the
number of patients that experience these complications.  It consists of
intravenous administration of high doses of gamma globulin (400 mg per
kilogram of body weight per day for four consecutive days along with aspirin
100 mg per kilogram of body weight per day given orally in divided doses every
six hours) and requires hospitalization for this therapy.  The treatment is
most effective when given early in the course of the illness.  I spoke with
Dr. Sanford Shulman, Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the
Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago where research into the cause and
treatment is currently going on and he informed me that perhaps as many as
2,000 to 3,000 cases of this disease occur in the United States each year, and
early recognition and speedy treatment can greatly reduce the complications.
And to Mrs. M.O. who pleaded that I amend the information that appeared in
the previous column in the name of the children whose lives might be saved,
here is the result of your caring communication.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
