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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Incomplete Kawasaki Disease: What Can We Do About It?

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Abstract Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children younger than 6 years old. However, it represents the most common cause of acquired heart disease and the second most frequent vasculitis in children. Its importance consists in cardiac (coronary) complications identified in adults younger than 40 years old. Early diagnosis is pivotal for preventing (or reducing) coronary aneurysms and avoiding, at least, later unnecessary surgical interventions. Full (classic, complete) Kawasaki disease is easily diagnosed, even if the symptoms are not always present at the same time and most of them are unspecific. Incomplete Kawasaki disease implies challenge, delay or misdiagnosis. “Picking it up early is a winner” – the specialists say, so that early treatment administered at the right moment can stop the inflammatory process leading to much better outcomes, consequently.