Diagnostic Guidelines for Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease, also known as the mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a form of vasculitis that usually affects the medium-sized vessels, especially the coronary arteries. It is the most common form of vasculitis in children less than 4 years of age and the disease requires prompt recognition and management as it can lead to very serious complications. The diagnostic guidelines for it are as follows: > Fever persisting for more than 5 days PLUS 4 of the 5 following criteria (mnemonic CREAM): 1. "C"onjunctivitis - bilateral, non-exudative 2. "R"ash - polymorphous, non-vesicular and primarily truncal 3. "E"dema/erythema - of hands and feet 4. "A"denopathy - cervical, unilateral and tender 5. "M"ucosal involvement - strawberry tongue, crusting of lips, oropharyngeal erythema and fissuring of mouth
