Kawasaki Disease Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnoses Kawasaki disease (KD) using clinical criteria. Classic KD requires fever ≥5 days PLUS ≥4 of 5 principal features. Incomplete KD: fever ≥5 days with <4 features but echocardiographic or laboratory evidence.
Score interpretation
Fewer than 2 principal features — Kawasaki disease unlikely
→ Consider alternative diagnoses; viral exanthem, toxic shock, adenovirus, drug reaction
2–3 features with fever — possible incomplete Kawasaki disease
→ Check CRP/ESR; if elevated, perform echocardiogram; paediatric cardiology review; consider IVIG if echo shows coronary changes
≥4 principal features with fever ≥5 days — meets classic Kawasaki disease criteria
→ Urgent IVIG 2g/kg IV infusion; high-dose aspirin 30–50 mg/kg/day; echocardiogram within 24h; admit to paediatric ward
Interpretation bands for the Kawasaki Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- McCrindle BW et al. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Management of Kawasaki Disease: A Scientific Statement for Health Professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2017;135(17):e927–e999.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Colchicine (Pericarditis / Post-MI Inflammation) · Pericarditis / Coronary Inflammation
- Methotrexate (Dermatology — Psoriasis) · Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic / Immunosuppressant
- Colchicine · Anti-inflammatory — Neutrophilic Dermatoses / Vasculitis
- Acetazolamide (Ménière's Disease) · Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor (Diuretic)
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.