In the acute-phase treatment of Kawasaki disease, what is the recommended therapy?

In the acute-phase treatment of Kawasaki disease, the recommended therapy is high-dose aspirin (ASA) and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). This combination is critical for managing the condition effectively.

Kawasaki disease is characterized by an acute febrile illness often seen in children, leading to inflammation of blood vessels and an increased risk of coronary artery aneurysms. The administration of high-dose aspirin provides anti-inflammatory effects and helps to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications associated with the disease. IVIG acts by modulating the immune response and significantly reduces the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities when given during the acute phase of the illness.

Combining high-dose ASA with IVIG has been shown to improve outcomes and is the cornerstone of treatment in acute Kawasaki disease. Other therapies, such as corticosteroids, may be used in certain cases (especially for patients who do not respond to IVIG), but they are not first-line treatment. Antibiotics are not relevant in the treatment of Kawasaki disease since the condition is not caused by a bacterial infection, and low-dose ASA alone lacks the necessary anti-inflammatory effect required in the acute phase. Thus, the correct answer highlights the dual approach of both high-dose ASA and IVIG, which is vital for optimal management