7/17/2007 - Webcast
Kawasaki Disease: The Race for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment in Children

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Kawasaki Disease, also known as lymph node syndrome, mucocutaneous node disease, infantile polyarteritis and Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare condition that affects children, mostly under the age of five. The disease affects the skin and mucous membranes, lymph nodes, blood vessel walls and the heart, among others. If diagnosed and treated early, most patients go on with their lives symptom free. In this special edition Patient Power program you’ll hear from a patient and two renowned experts as they discuss this unusual and difficult to diagnose condition.

Kate Davila speaks frankly about her experience with Kawasaki Disease, her symptoms of high fever and how she was referred to many hospitals before getting an accurate diagnosis. Kate’s heart was affected, but she was able to lead a normal life in high school as a cross-country runner and cheerleader. Hear about how Kate monitors her disease as an adult and her take on the importance of educating others about Kawasaki Disease.

Dr. Stanford Shulman, professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and chief of the Infectious Disease Division at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, talks about why Kawasaki Disease is often overlooked and what symptoms to look for. Dr. Shulman also touches on the history of Kawasaki Disease, its prevalence in Japan and the future of research for this condition.

Also hear from Dr. Michael Portman, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and Director of Pediatric Cardiovascular Research at Seattle Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center. Dr. Portman explains the effects of Kawasaki Disease on the heart, the importance of early treatment with IVIg therapy and the purpose of the electrocardiogram. In this program you’ll learn more about this disease, why it’s important to raise awareness and the latest news on research and treatment.

Guests:

Michael Portman, M.D., Director, Pediatric Cardiovascular Research, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center
Stanford Shulman, M.D., Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Katryn Davila, Kawasaki Disease Survivor and Kawasaki Disease Foundation Volunteer
Lynda Moore, Board of Directors, Kawasaki Disease Foundation

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