Global Collaboration Urged to Reduce Heart Risks in Children with Kawasaki Disease
A new science advisory from the American Heart Association emphasizes that international collaboration in research, diagnosis, and care is essential to reduce the risk of serious heart conditions in children with Kawasaki disease worldwide.
A new science advisory from the American Heart Association highlights the critical need for global collaboration to improve outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness that can lead to coronary artery aneurysms if left untreated. Published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the advisory calls for harmonized international efforts to reduce disparities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under five years old and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Symptoms include fever, rash, red lips, and strawberry tongue. Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysm from about one in four children to less than 5%. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major barrier, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources.
“Kawasaki disease is highly treatable, yet too many children around the world face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care,” said Dr. Ashraf S. Harahsheh, chair of the advisory writing group and director of the Kawasaki Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “This science advisory underscores the power of international collaboration to advance research and improve care for patients everywhere.”
According to the advisory, advances in Kawasaki disease management have been most successful in economically advanced countries with strong research collaborations. However, most current collaborative networks lack formal funding. The advisory calls for inclusive partnerships that consider cultural needs, reduce barriers to care, and promote evidence-based practices across regions, especially in LMICs.
The disease is estimated to affect more than 4,200 children annually in the U.S., and occurs 10-30 times more often in East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Despite its unknown cause, a trigger such as an infectious illness in a genetically susceptible child is suspected.
“When hospitals and health systems work together and compare how well they are doing, it can help identify local or regional challenges,” Harahsheh said. “Future international efforts should focus on working together to improve quality, building local expertise, and strengthening care systems in LMICs.”
The advisory was prepared on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, Kawasaki Disease Committee. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations, including individual donations and foundations. For more information, see the American Heart Association website.
The full advisory is available in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Additional resources include the Association’s 2024 scientific statement on Kawasaki disease and a news release on pandemic prevention measures linked to lower rates of the disease.