Failure to recognise acute coronary syndromes in Kawasaki disease patients
A stage one warning has been issued around the risk of death and serious harm from failure to recognise acute coronary syndromes in Kawasaki disease patients.
More patients affected by Kawasaki disease in early childhood are now entering adult life and those with persistent or resolved coronary aneurysms are at lifelong risk of acute coronary syndromes which could result in death or severe harm.
This alert emphasises:
- the high risk and atypical presentation of coronary artery aneurysms
- coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischaemia (or infarction) in patients with Kawasaki disease
- the importance of specialist advice
Increased awareness is required for prompt diagnosis and urgent appropriate investigation and treatment when symptoms of chest pain, pallor, excessive tiredness or breathlessness occur.
Patient safety alerts are shared rapidly with healthcare providers via the Central Alerting System (CAS).