Global Collaboration Critical to Reducing Heart Risks in Children with Kawasaki Disease, New Advisory Says

A new science advisory from the American Heart Association highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to improve outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness that can lead to coronary artery aneurysms if left untreated. Published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the advisory stresses that early diagnosis and treatment are critical, yet many children around the world face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care.

Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under five years old and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Symptoms include fever, rash, red lips, and strawberry tongue. Prompt treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysm from about 25% to less than 5%. However, disparities in healthcare resources mean that children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often miss this window.

“Kawasaki disease is highly treatable, yet too many children around the world face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care,” said Ashraf S. Harahsheh, M.D., FAHA, 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.”

The advisory notes that most current collaborative networks lack formal funding, and it calls for inclusive partnerships that consider cultural needs, prioritize reducing barriers to care, and monitor outcomes to drive improvement. It also emphasizes including patients, families, and advocacy groups to support patient-centered care.

According to the advisory, while advances in high-income countries have been driven by strong research collaborations, LMICs often lack the infrastructure for timely diagnosis and treatment. The writing group recommends building local expertise, mentoring clinical leaders, and strengthening care systems in these regions.

“When hospitals and health systems work together and compare how well they are doing, it can help identify local or regional challenges—such as gaps in resources or access to care—that need to be addressed,” Harahsheh said.

The advisory was prepared by the American Heart Association’s Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, Kawasaki Disease Committee of the Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young. It does not make treatment recommendations but informs the development of scientific statements and guidelines.

Additional resources, including a Spanish news release and the full manuscript, are available on the American Heart Association’s website. Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association on X @JAHA_AHA and American Heart Association news @HeartNews.