What are the diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease?

Prepare for the NEET Pediatrics Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis that primarily affects children and is characterized by a set of clinical features. The diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease include the presence of fever lasting more than five days along with a combination of other symptoms. To meet the criteria for diagnosis, the patient must have a fever along with at least four out of five typical clinical findings. These findings include:

  1. Conjunctival injection (red eyes)
  1. Oral mucosal changes (such as strawberry tongue)

  2. Cervical lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

  3. Rash

  4. Changes in extremities (such as swelling or desquamation of the hands and feet)

The requirement of "fever plus 4 out of 5 criteria" emphasizes the need for a robust clinical picture to ensure accurate diagnosis, as Kawasaki disease can present with overlapping symptoms with other conditions. This necessitates a careful evaluation to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely intervention, as Kawasaki disease can lead to serious complications like coronary artery aneurysms if not treated effectively.

The other responses do not represent the established criteria for diagnosing Kawasaki disease, as they either undercount the necessary criteria or suggest that fever alone is sufficient for diagnosis, which is not the case.

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