Kawasaki disease: etiopathogenesis and novel treatment strategies

Shreya Agarwal, Devendra K. Agrawal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile systemic vasculitis that predominantly occurs in children below five years of age. Its etiopathogenesis is still not clear, but it is thought to be a complex interplay of genetic factors, infections and immunity. Areas covered: This review article discusses in detail Kawasaki disease, with particular emphasis on the recent updates on its pathogenesis and upcoming alternate treatment options. Though self-limiting in many cases, it can lead to severe complications like coronary artery aneurysms and thrombo-embolic occlusions, and hence requires early diagnosis and urgent attention to avoid them. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with or without aspirin has remained the sole treatment option for these cases, but 10–15% cases develop resistance to this treatment. Expert commentary: There is a need to develop additional treatment strategies for children with Kawasaki disease. Targeting different steps of pathogenesis could provide us with alternate therapeutic options.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-258
Number of pages12
JournalExpert Review of Clinical Immunology
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 4 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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