Kawasaki disease is a poorly understood illness. The cause has not been determined. It may be an autoimmune disorder. The disorder affects the mucus membranes, lymph nodes, walls of the blood vessels, and the heart.
Kawasaki disease can cause inflammation of blood vessels in the arteries, especially the coronary arteries. This inflammation can lead to aneurysms. An aneurysm can lead to a heart attack, even in young children, although this is rare.
Children with Kawasaki disease are admitted to the hospital. Treatment must be started as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent damage to the coronary arteries and heart.
Intravenous gamma globulin is the standard treatment. It is given in high doses. The child's condition usually greatly improves within 24 hours of treatment with IV gamma globulin. Only in Tre's case he had adverse reactions to this medication and ended up worsening instead. His blood pressure dropped and swelling increased.
High-dose aspirin is often given along with IV gamma globulin.
Even when they're treated with aspirin and IV gamma globulin, up to 25% of children may still develop problems in their coronary arteries. Some research has suggested that adding steroids to the usual treatment routine may improve a child's outcome, but more research is needed.
Needless to say we are in desperate need of your prayers right now and I hope to continue blogging once this nightmare ends....
All information was pulled from
Sorry to hear it Amy! I hope they get little Tre feeling better soon! I know it's scary for you seeing your baby feel so poorly!
ReplyDeleteAmy -
ReplyDeleteHang in there. I know how worried you must be feeling right now. You have my thoughts and prayers. A son of one of my good friends had Kawasaki Disease. He's as chipper and healthy as can be, except for some arthritis, but he sure doesn't let that slow him down. :)
Hugs,
Tracy Screaming Sardine
Just wanted to let you know prayers are being sent your way. I've only ever read about that particular disease and I'm so sorry your family is going through this :(
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where you had been...now I know and I am so sorry for all that you are going through. Try to remain as patient and calm as you can and we will all be praying for your family :)
ReplyDeleteI will pray for your son and for you. I understand the terror when a debilitating disease hits a child or youth. My nephew was hospitalized for 11 months with a catastrophic auto immune disease and we almost lost him several times. By the grace of God, and brilliant doctors at Children's Hospital in California, he made it through. I will pray for Tre's healing and your strength to endure.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about what you and your family has been going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDelete*Hugs*
This is my first time to your blog and I want you to know that I will be praying for your son and you! ~ Hugs
ReplyDeletePraying for your family and your precious son...we serve a mighty God.
ReplyDeleteMay He comfort you in this time of craziness.
Oh, I'm so sorry. Sending prayers and hugs your way! I hope he starts improving soon.
ReplyDeleteCarla