A new science advisory published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights the critical need for international collaboration to reduce the risk of serious heart conditions in children with Kawasaki disease. The advisory, from the American Heart Association, calls for a global harmonized approach to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness primarily affecting children under five, causing inflammation of blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Symptoms include fever, rash, red lips, and strawberry tongue. Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms from about 25% to less than 5%. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major barrier, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources.
The advisory notes that while advances in management have been successful in economically advanced countries, gaps persist globally. Collaborative efforts have emerged at regional and international levels, including in LMICs, but most networks lack formal funding. The advisory calls for inclusive collaborations that consider cultural needs, prioritize reducing barriers to care, and monitor outcomes. It emphasizes including patients, families, and advocacy groups to support patient-centered care.
“When hospitals and health systems work together and compare how well they are doing, it can help identify local or regional challenges – such as gaps in resources or access to care – that need to be addressed,” said Ashraf S. Harahsheh, M.D., FAHA, chair of the advisory writing group and director of the Kawasaki Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “Sharing this information can lead to better care and ongoing improvements.”
According to the advisory, Kawasaki disease occurs 10-30 times more often in East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. In the U.S., more than 4,200 children are diagnosed annually. The cause remains unknown but is suspected to be an abnormal immune response to a trigger in genetically susceptible children.
The advisory was prepared on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, Kawasaki Disease Committee. It does not make treatment recommendations but informs the development of scientific statements and guidelines. The full manuscript is available online.
Additional resources, including a Spanish news release, are available on the release link.
