Kawasaki Disease Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic Children’s
No single test can diagnose Kawasaki disease. Instead, our healthcare providers will check out your child’s symptoms and do a physical exam at their first visit. And they’ll run tests to rule out other illnesses, like infections.
- Blood and urine tests: Your provider will take a small sample of your child’s blood or urine (pee) to look for signs of inflammation and infection. These tests can give important clues about whether your child could have Kawasaki disease or another illness.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): This non-invasive test uses ultrasound images to show us how your child’s heart is working. An echocardiogram can show heart changes caused by Kawasaki disease.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): Kawasaki disease can cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) in children. A non-invasive test called an electrocardiogram can find these changes. This test uses a special machine and electrodes (stickers) on your child’s chest to measure the electrical activity in their heart.
0 Providers Who Treat Kawasaki Disease
Locations
We offer treatment for Kawasaki disease at the following locations in Northeast Ohio.
Kawasaki Disease Treatment at Cleveland Clinic Children’s
The sooner your child gets treatment for Kawasaki disease, the better their chances for a full recovery. At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, our specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and caring for children with Kawasaki disease. Our expertise means you’ll get answers sooner. And your child will get treatment right away.
Children with Kawasaki disease usually stay in the hospital for several days. Your child’s treatment plan may include:
- Immunoglobulins (IVIG): Also called intravenous gamma globulin, this is the first-line treatment for Kawasaki disease. IVIGs are human blood proteins that your provider gives through an intravenous (IV) line in your child’s vein. These special proteins prevent heart damage from Kawasaki disease and help most children feel better within a few days.
- Aspirin: This medication can help calm the inflammation, fever, rash and pain from Kawasaki disease. It’s an effective treatment when a healthcare provider is keeping a close eye on your child. Don’t give your child aspirin without talking with your child’s provider first. It can cause a rare but serious condition in children called Reye’s syndrome. Monitoring by your provider is essential.
- Corticosteroids: If your child needs further treatment, we may recommend corticosteroids. These medications fight inflammation from Kawasaki disease.
- Intravenous fluids: Your child may need IV fluids to provide extra hydration as they recover.
Taking the Next Step
When your child is sick, nothing is right with their world — or yours. And when they have a serious condition, like Kawasaki’s disease, you’ll want to get them treated right away. Cleveland Clinic Children’s healthcare providers can quickly craft a treatment plan and get your child on the road to recovery — physically and emotionally. And we’re ready to support you throughout their treatment journey, too.

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