The impact of kawasaki syndrome on children's cardiovascular health: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Kawasaki Syndrome (KS) is a systemic vasculitis that affects children and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. It is characterized by persistent fever and multisystem inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular complications such as coronary aneurysms and myocardial ischemia. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are essential to reduce the progression of lesions and minimize the impact on children's cardiovascular health. Methodology: This study adopted an integrative literature review to analyze the impacts of KS on cardiovascular health. The search was carried out in databases such as LILACS, SciELO, PubMed and Scopus, selecting articles published between 2020 and 2025. A total of 231 studies were identified, of which 10 were included after applying the eligibility criteria. The aim was to assess the available evidence on disease progression, cardiovascular complications and therapeutic approaches. Results and Discussion: The results show that KS can cause permanent damage to the coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events in adulthood. Standard treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid reduces complications, but not all patients respond adequately, requiring alternative therapies. Long-term follow-up and complementary tests are essential to detect sequelae and prevent future complications. Conclusion: We conclude that KS has a significant impact on children's cardiovascular health, requiring early diagnosis, effective treatment and ongoing follow-up. Preventive strategies and technological advances in the detection of complications can improve patients' quality of life.