Research Progress in Kawasaki Disease: Epidemiology, Treatment and Cardiovascular Outcomes

Dear Colleagues,

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of unknown etiology that predominantly affects young children and remains the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in developed countries. It is widely hypothesized to result from an abnormal immune response to an infectious trigger in genetically susceptible individuals, though the causative pathogenesis has yet to be identified. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has significantly reduced the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms and improved long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, critical questions remain. However, the pathomechanisms, which drive coronary artery involvement, particularly in IVIG-resistant patients, remain poorly understood. There is a pressing need for improved risk stratification tools and biomarkers to improve predict treatment response and long-term prognosis. Additionally, the long-term cardiovascular risk in patients with and without overt coronary involvement remains incompletely understood.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research and reviews that advance understanding of KD pathogenesis, immune mechanisms, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes. Studies exploring novel therapeutics, imaging modalities, and registry data are especially welcome, aiming to drive forward precision medicine in KD care.

Dr. Andre Jakob
Guest Editor

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