A new science advisory from the American Heart Association, published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, calls for enhanced international collaboration to reduce the risk of serious heart conditions in children with Kawasaki disease. The advisory highlights that while Kawasaki disease is highly treatable, delayed diagnosis and limited access to care remain significant barriers worldwide.
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness primarily affecting children under five, causing inflammation of blood vessels, particularly 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 approximately 25% to less than 5%. However, without early intervention, serious cardiovascular complications can occur.
The advisory, chaired by Dr. Ashraf S. Harahsheh of Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., notes that advances in management have been most successful in economically advanced countries with strong research collaborations. Yet, gaps remain, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where most current collaborative networks lack formal funding. The advisory calls for inclusive international collaborations that consider cultural needs, prioritize reducing barriers to care, and monitor outcomes to improve care globally.
According to the advisory, effective collaboration must account for differences in culture, language, time zones, and resources. Including patients, families, and advocacy groups is essential to support patient-centered care. Dr. Harahsheh stated, "When hospitals and health systems work together and compare how well they are doing, it can help identify local or regional challenges that need to be addressed."
The advisory was prepared by the American Heart Association's Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, Kawasaki Disease Committee of the Young Hearts Council. It is intended to inform the development of scientific statements and guidelines, not to provide treatment recommendations. The full manuscript is available online at ahajournals.org.
The American Heart Association receives funding from various sources, including corporations, but has strict policies to prevent influence on its science content. More information is available at heart.org.
