What is the initial treatment for Kawasaki disease?

The initial treatment for Kawasaki disease is a combination of high-dose aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Kawasaki disease is characterized by prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and other systemic symptoms, and it can lead to serious complications, such as coronary artery aneurysms.

IVIG plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular complications. Administering IVIG early in the illness helps to mitigate the inflammatory response and reduce the likelihood of coronary artery damage. High-dose aspirin is also utilized because it has both anti-inflammatory properties and antiplatelet effects, which are beneficial in the management of Kawasaki disease.

The use of both treatments together helps to optimize outcomes, including decreased fever, alleviation of other symptoms, and prevention of cardiac complications. Therefore, the combination of high-dose aspirin and IVIG is the recommended initial treatment approach for Kawasaki disease.