Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Kawasaki disease
Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Kawasaki disease is named after Dr Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese doctor who identified the condition in 1967.
About Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition affecting boys more than girls. It is usually found in children under five years of age. It causes high fever, enlarged lymph glands and swollen blood vessels. It can also affect the heart. It can cause coronary artery aneurysms, leakage of valves and an accumulation of fluid, called pericardial effusion.
Need to know
- a high temperature that lasts for more than five days
- a rash on various parts of the body
- swollen glands in the neck
- dry, cracked lips
- red fingers, toes or eyes
- painful joints
There is no definite test that can be done to find out if a child has Kawasaki disease. Your consultant may have to perform various tests to eliminate other diseases. Tests that may help to diagnose Kawasaki disease include:
- measuring pulse, blood pressure, temperature and the number of breaths a child takes per minute
- listening with a stethoscope for changes in the sounds of the heart
- checking the blood for markers of inflammation
- checks for chemical balance in the blood and urine
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical activity of the heart
- sometimes a CT or MRI of the heart to look at the chambers and coronary arteries in more detail
- an infusion of antibiotics called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- high doses of aspirin until the high temperature and acute illness has settled
- low doses of aspirin to continue for a period of up to six weeks
- children who develop coronary artery aneurysms may be treated with anticoagulant (anti-clotting) medicines
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.