The Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome

The mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome is also known as the Kawasaki disease. This is a disorder that affects the lymph nodes, the mouth, and the skin of the patient. More often than not, it affects children 5 years and below. The real cause of this disease is still unknown, but its symptoms can become very apparent. And if it is not treated early, serious complications may arise.

In the United States, this particular disease is considered rare. On the estimate, it is only seen in 19 children out of 100,000 born. But in Korea and Japan, or even those who have Korean or Japanese blood, the disease is more common.

Symptoms of The Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome

The primary symptom of the mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome is a fever that commonly lasts for five days or more. And while the child is sick, red eyes, extensive body rashes, and chapped mouth and lips will be observed. The fever is usually higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Celsius most of the time. And rashes can be seen on the stomach area, the chest, and even in the genitals.

Patients will also have sore throats coupled with swollen tongues, which in turn, would have red bumps in it. And aside from the lymph nodes, the palm and the soles will appear swollen as well and have a purple or a bluish color. And all this is just the first phase of the disease. It is then mandatory that once these symptoms became apparent, a doctor has to be consulted right away.

The second phase will happen in the next two weeks. At that point, the child’s skin, both on the feet and hands, will start to peel. Joint pains with diarrhea and vomiting are also expected. Episodes of severe abdominal pains will be experienced too.

Diagnosis of The Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome
Children with the mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome will have to undergo echocardiogram to diagnose the disease. An electrocardiogram will effectively monitor the condition and functions of the patient’s hearts. Blood samples will also be taken so that the doctor can accurately rule out other diseases with similar symptoms such as measles, scarlet fever, rheumatoid arthritis in children, and others. After the doctor had arrived with a correct diagnosis of the syndrome, proper treatment has to be carried out next.

Treatment of The Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome
To effectively treat this disease, treatment needs to start within ten days since the fever began. This syndrome requires hospitalization and doctors would give gamma globulin to the patient. Gamma globulins are purified antibodies that combine in the blood to boost up the body’s immune system to help fight the disease. It is an intravenous solution and several doses of which may be given until the fever subsides. And along with gamma globulin, a high dosage of aspirin will also be prescribed so that the risks of developing heart problems are lessened.

Complications of The Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome
The main reason why this disease has to be cured early on is because it can cause major complications to the heart. If successfully diagnosed within 10 days when the fever began, doctors can usually manage all the symptoms associated with the disease. But the moment the disease goes beyond that mark untreated, it can lead to vasculitis. Vasculitis is a type of infection of the blood vessels. The blood vessels will become inflamed and blood supply to the heart will be reduced.

Arrhythmia is another complication. This is a disease wherein the heart doesn’t follow a normal heartbeat pattern any longer. Children who develop this are in the higher risk of developing heart failures eventually. This disease may be caused by the abnormal functions of the heart valves.