A new science advisory from the American Heart Association highlights the 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 calls for harmonized efforts to reduce disparities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under five 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 aneurysms from about 25% to less than 5%. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major barrier, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources.
“Kawasaki disease is highly treatable, yet too many children around the world face delayed diagnosis or limited access to care,” said Dr. Ashraf S. Harahsheh, chair of the advisory writing group and director of the Kawasaki Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “By sharing data, expertise and best practices, we can reduce disparities and improve heart health outcomes for children with Kawasaki disease, wherever they live.”
The advisory notes that while advances in management have been successful in economically advanced countries, most current collaborative networks lack formal funding. It calls for inclusive international collaborations that consider cultural needs, prioritize uncovering barriers to care, and promote evidence-based practices across regions. Involving patients, families, and advocacy groups is also emphasized to support patient-centered care.
“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 added. Future efforts should focus on improving quality, building local expertise, and strengthening care systems in LMICs.
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. More information about the Association’s funding policies is available here. The full manuscript can be accessed online after May 18, 2026.
