How to Prevent Complication of KD

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis that mainly affects small and medium blood vessels, most commonly in children under 5 years of age. Although its cause is not yet known, KD has become the most common acquired heart disease in developing countries. In recent decades, the incidence has increased in many centuries including Japan, South Korea, and China. The most serious complications of KD are coronary artery lesions (CAL), including dilation, fistulas, aneurysms, arterial remodeling, stenosis, and occlusion. Aneurysm formation was observed in 20-25% of KD patients who did not receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, while 3-5% was observed in patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Approximately 30% of KD patients may suffer from coronary artery dilation in the acute phase, although most are temporary. Reducing the occurrence and getting regression of CAL is very important for the treatment of KD. In this chapter, we will show the clinical methods to prevent the formation of CAL.