What is a primary treatment for Kawasaki disease in children?

In the context of Kawasaki disease, high-dose aspirin is a primary treatment because it plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of blood clots. Kawasaki disease is characterized by prolonged fever, rash, and inflammation of blood vessels, which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including coronary artery aneurysms. High-dose aspirin helps to mitigate the inflammatory response and also acts as an antiplatelet agent, thereby decreasing the risk of thrombosis that can occur as a result of the disease.

Additionally, this treatment is often combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is also part of the standard therapeutic approach to further reduce inflammation and vascular damage. While antibiotics, corticosteroids, and IV fluids may be utilized in various clinical scenarios, they do not address the underlying inflammation and are not primary treatments for Kawasaki disease.