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Kawasaki Disease Program
Kawasaki disease, also called Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the body’s blood vessels. This inflammation can harm the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. If the coronary arteries become damaged, Kawasaki disease can lead to blood clots and heart damage.
With the right treatment, most children fully recover from Kawasaki disease. At the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Heart Institute, our highly experienced team of doctors treats every aspect of this complex condition. They have devoted years to researching Kawasaki disease and the best treatments for it. Learn more about Kawasaki disease.
Kawasaki Disease Program: Why Choose Us
You can be confident that we offer the best possible care for Kawasaki disease. Our multidisciplinary program is part of our nationally ranked Heart Institute and provides:
- Accurate and fast diagnosis: Kawasaki disease is rare, but at CHLA, we treat many children with this condition. Our experience helps us identify Kawasaki disease quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly lower the chances of long-term damage to the heart.
- Comprehensive team of experts: Children who have Kawasaki disease need care from multiple medical specialties. Our program includes specialists in cardiology, infectious disease, rheumatology, hematology and others when needed.
- Top technology: We use the latest technology for echocardiograms (echo), electrocardiograms (EKG) and other diagnostic tests. These tools provide important details for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Kawasaki care legacy: At Children’s Hospital, we were among the first in the U.S. to begin researching and treating Kawasaki disease. Today, we continue to deliver the most advanced treatments available, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). When a child gets IVIG treatment within the first 10 days of illness, the risk of aneurysm greatly decreases.
Pioneering Kawasaki Disease Treatment and Research
Our team continues a legacy of care that was established by doctors who pioneered this area of medicine. Their tireless work led to major breakthroughs in treating Kawasaki disease in children. CHLA infectious disease expert Wilbert Mason, MD, began his research on Kawasaki disease in the 1970s. His studies made him one of the nation’s most sought-after experts in this condition. Dr. Mason was a mentor for decades and taught medical students, residents, fellows and faculty to ensure CHLA remains a leader in care for Kawasaki disease.