Perth researchers are leading an exciting new international study looking at genetic factors that may cause Kawasaki disease and the subsequent development of heart damage.
Kawasaki disease is a serious illness affecting young children and may cause symptoms including high fever, rash, swollen hands, red eyes, enlarged glands in the neck and redness of the tongue and lips. In some children, the blood vessels supplying the heart - the coronary arteries - are affected.
Kawasaki disease is one of the most common causes of heart disease acquired during childhood. The heart problems can persist through life and may require coronary artery bypass or rarely even heart transplant. In Australia, there are around 300 cases of Kawasaki disease each year and thousands more world-wide.
The study is one of the largest studies of genetic factors in Kawasaki disease in the world.
Dr David Burgner, who is heading the study, said that it is likely that Kawasaki disease is caused by an infection that most children are exposed to during childhood, but which only causes the disease in a small minority. The study will explore why some children develop Kawasaki disease by looking at the genes involved in fighting infection.
"We hope to answer questions such as why Kawasaki disease only affects certain children, and then why only some of those children infected go on to develop coronary artery problems."
"The cause of Kawasaki disease is not clearly understood. If we can develop a better understanding of the cause and the factors leading to heart damage, this will not only improve diagnosis and treatment, but may provide insights into adult heart disease", said Dr Burgner.
Dr Burgner said that the study had already recruited 200 families in the UK and almost 50 from Western Australia. The study would expand to cover the Eastern States and Asia shortly.
Dr Burgner and his research team need families who have had a case of Kawasaki disease to be part of the study. The study involves filling out a brief questionnaire and one blood test from the person that had Kawasaki disease, their biological mother and/or father, and a brother or sister.
If you would like to receive further information about this study please contact the study coordinator Miranda Odam on 9340 8749 / 0414 930 248 or mirandao@ichr.uwa.edu.au.
The study is a collaboration between the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Western Australia, The Kids for Child Health Research, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and Royal Perth Hospital.