A new science advisory from the American Heart Association, published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to reduce the risk of serious heart conditions in children with Kawasaki disease. The advisory, titled “Global Collaboration on Kawasaki Disease,” stresses that while the disease is highly treatable, many children worldwide face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care, leading to potentially severe cardiovascular complications.
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness primarily affecting children under five years old. It causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, particularly the coronary arteries, and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Symptoms include fever, rash, red lips, and a “strawberry tongue.” Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysm from about 25% to less than 5%. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major barrier, especially in regions with fewer health resources.
“Kawasaki disease is highly treatable, yet too many children around the world face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care,” said Dr. Ashraf S. Harahsheh, chair of the advisory writing group and director of the Kawasaki Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “This science advisory underscores the power of international collaboration to advance research and improve care for patients everywhere. By sharing data, expertise and best practices, we can reduce disparities and improve heart health outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease, wherever they live.”
The advisory estimates that more than 4,200 children are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease in the U.S. each year, with rates 10-30 times higher in East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. While advances in management have been most successful in large, economically advanced countries, gaps remain, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most current collaborative networks lack formal funding, hindering progress.
The advisory calls for a global, harmonized approach that considers cultural needs, reduces barriers to care, and promotes evidence-based practices across regions. It emphasizes including patients, families, and advocacy groups to support patient-centered care. “Future international efforts should focus on working together to improve quality, building local expertise, mentoring clinical leaders and strengthening care systems in low- and middle-income countries,” Harahsheh added.
The American Heart Association’s science advisories inform the development of scientific statements and guidelines but do not make treatment recommendations. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from non-corporate sources, and its financial information is available here. The full manuscript is available online here.
