Number of children treated Kawasaki disease It has more than doubled dramatically in the last five years.
Experienced mostly in children aged five and under, NHS He appealed for more plasma donations as cases arose.
Figures from NHS Blood and Transplant show that a total of 706 children will need treatment for the disease between 2020-21.
The new figure compares with an average of 336 children needing treatment for the condition each year over the past five years.
If left untreated, Kawasaki disease can be fatal.
It is not fully known what causes Kawasaki disease, but it has been shown that it is not contagious or can be transmitted to others.
The disease is characterized by swelling of blood vessels around the body, rash and high fever.
The main cause of heart disease in children under five years old is swelling of the blood vessels around the heart.
Dr. Vijaya Soma, from the Department of Pediatrics at new york The University’s Grossman School of Medicine spoke daily. Health“The most serious side effect is inflammation of the vessels that supply blood to the heart.
“The main reason we treat Kawasaki disease is to try to prevent these potential heart effects.”
Bella Hesse, now 3, developed large tumors in the blood vessels around her head and heart after contracting Kawasaki disease.
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A successful treatment for the disease is a high-dose immunoglobulin administered through an IV drip.
Plasma is full of antibodies that are effective in treating infectious diseases.
In the year Between 1998 and 2021, the government restricted plasma for immunoglobulin as a preventive measure, making it dependent on imported supplies.
However, the government has recently decided to restart its national plasma collection efforts due to a shortage of imported products due to the global supply crisis.
A common first symptom of the disease is a red and swollen tongue with red spots called ‘strawberry tongue’
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Currently, there are only 5,850 registered plasma donors, just over half of the 10,200 required for an adequate supply.
Gerry Gogarty, director of Plasma for Medicines at NHS Blood and Transplant, told Sky News: “The need for plasma donors to help treat life-threatening immune disorders such as Kawasaki disease is increasing.
“You can help by donating plasma or blood – you have medicine in you.”
The World Health Organization In 2020, he gave a brief presentation on a rare syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease caused by Covid-19 infection.
The origin of Kawasaki disease was the focus of research. Covid-19 A large number of critically ill children have developed similar symptoms while being treated for covid-19 infection.
In the year Similar cases were seen around the world in 2020, prompting the government to warn parents to be on the lookout for symptoms.
The study later revealed a new disorder: pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), a rare and specific inflammatory condition in children associated with Covid-19 infection.
Dr Elizabeth Whittaker, consultant in pediatric infectious diseases and immunology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and lead researcher on the project, said: “Our treatment choices were based on our previous experience with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome, but we needed to. To be more certain about the most effective treatments for PIMS.
“We now know that early treatment and close follow-up are key to preventing serious outcomes.
“If treatment is started early enough, you can stop the inflammatory process and reduce the risk of a child entering intensive care.
“Finding answers to these key questions is critical to helping children and young people and continuing to build on the incredible collaborative work we’ve seen throughout the pandemic.”
The NHS is now accepting limited plasma donations. Birmingham, to read And TwickenhamIn 2021, plasma donation for immunoglobulin was resumed.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “More plasma donors are needed to treat Kawasaki disease and we are working closely with NHS Blood and Transplant to increase supplies so we can provide the best possible care for patients.”
“Thank you to existing donors who have so generously come forward. If you can, please consider donating blood or plasma – it could save someone’s life.”