Treatments For Kawasaki Disease

Gamma Globulin Infusion

The gamma globulin infusion is used to treat certain diseases in individuals with weakened immune systems. High doses of gamma globulin may reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. Gamma globulins are defined as plasma proteins that act as antibodies, often called immunoglobulins. Kawasaki disease has been linked to the deficiency of T suppressor cells and increased activation of T helper cells. By using gamma globulin, patients may see a rise in the level of CD8 T suppressor cells and decline in activated CD4 T helper cells. In addition, studies have shown most children treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) see improvement in Kawasaki disease symptoms in thirty-six hours.

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Monitoring Heart Health

The heart is an important organ affected by Kawasaki disease. In cases of illnesses like Kawasaki disease, it's necessary for patients to keep track of the heart's functions. The doctor may request you to get several procedures done for monitoring your heart health. One of the procedures a doctor uses to check the heart is the stress test, which allows the doctor to see how well the heart handles pressure from exercise. During the test, you may exercise with a treadmill or bike.

Another test the doctor can give you is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which focuses on the electrical activity of the heart. The doctor places special tools called electrodes over the skin to pick up the heart's signals. In some cases, an echocardiogram will be performed. In an echocardiogram, sound waves (ultrasound) are recorded from the heart. The waves produce images of the organ's vessels, chambers, and valves. Looking at the images, the doctor can reveal details about your heart's shape, size, and the rate at which it pumps blood.

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