How to Treat Kawasaki Disease?
Earl treatment is highly important to prevent heart disease in children with Kawasaki disease.
The first treatment for KD usually involves an infusion of antibodies (intravenous immunoglobulin) for over 12 hours within 10 days of the fever. Doctors may also recommend a daily dosage of aspirin for four days. The child may continue taking lower doses of aspirin for six to eight weeks after the fever goes away to stop formation of blood clots.
Studies have also shown that adding prednisolone will significantly reduce potential heart damage. However, this is yet to be tested in other populations. Kawasaki disease can result in severe heart complications if it is not treated on time.
Studies show that about 10-22% of children with the condition will show resistance to treatment if it is administered five days before the fifth day. Some children may need treatment for a longer time to stop a blocked artery or a heart attack. Doctors may recommend daily antiplatelet aspirin doses until the child has a normal echocardiography. In most cases, it usually takes about six to eight weeks for coronary artery abnormalities to reverse.