Kawasaki Disease: Insights on the Ailment, Preventive Strategies, and Current Cases Among Kazakhstan's Youth
Rewritten Article:
The threat of multisystem diseases and a condition akin to Kawasaki syndrome looms over children, as revealed by Almaz Shorman, the President of the Academy of Preventive Medicine of Kazakhstan, during an online interview. As reported by Almaty.tv, he emphasized the potential for complications arising from coronavirus infection in children.
Contrary to popular belief that children tolerate the virus better, Almaz Shorman cautioned about the possible manifestation of multisystem diseases. They are not the actual Kawasaki syndrome, which has been around for four decades. What is similar to Kawasaki syndrome on the internet and social media is referred to as the multiple inflammatory syndrome. Essentially, it is a severe, multi-system disease that can pose a significant risk. Luckily, the number of such cases in Kazakhstan and globally is relatively low, he added, highlighting that it's associated with vascular inflammation.
Almaz Shorman pointed out that the coronavirus affects more than just the lungs. It also affects the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium), with children's lower extremities being more prone to damage. This may show up as reddish discoloration on the extremities, torso, and face.
He stressed that doctors are keeping a keen eye on this threat. While children generally have fewer complications and are less prone to infection, there are cases where symptoms become severe and multi-system vascular damage occurs. Scientists worldwide are working diligently to study this unusual phenomenon, he noted.
Almaz Shorman urged parents to educate their children on safety measures: wearing masks, maintaining proper hygiene, and practicing social distancing. He hoped that the danger would remain confined to a small number of children in the future.
Insight: Understanding MIS-C and its Differences from Kawasaki Syndrome
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe hyperinflammatory condition that arises in children following a mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 2 to 6 weeks post-infection. While it shares similarities with Kawasaki disease, its etiology and some clinical features are distinct. For instance, MIS-C affects multiple organ systems, particularly the cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, and hematological systems. It often presents with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and cardiac dysfunction. Kawasaki syndrome, on the other hand, is an acute, systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under the age of five, causing inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body. Understanding these differences can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- In children, there is a growing concern about multisystem diseases and a condition similar to Kawasaki syndrome, a severe multi-system disease known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), which can pose a significant risk.
- MIS-C arises following a mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and shares similarities with Kawasaki disease, but it affects multiple organ systems and presents symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and cardiac dysfunction.
- Unlike Kawasaki syndrome, which primarily affects children under the age of five, MIS-C also affects the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) and causes vascular inflammation, with children's lower extremities being more prone to damage.
- Scientists worldwide are working diligently to study the unusual phenomenon of MIS-C and its associations with various medical-conditions and health-and-wellness aspects, hoping to improve timely diagnosis and treatment.
